Janar Holm, the head of the State Audit Office, said that the Estonian state has many plans but lacks the necessary funds.
Holm stated that governments have promised four-lane roads and high-speed trains, but there is not even enough money for road maintenance. "Our plans are too ambitious," said Holm. "We don't have the money to fulfill them."
The biggest problems are road maintenance and the construction of Rail Baltica. Holm said that the financial need is approximately 1.35 billion euros. We don't have that money.
Holm emphasized that the state must keep its promises. If promises are not fulfilled, people will become alienated from the state.
Estonia is in a difficult financial situation. The state does not have enough money for teachers' and rescuers' salaries. Holm said that in the coming years, the budget deficit could be significant.
Meeting the European Union's requirements for building four-lane roads is difficult. Holm believes that fines will not be imposed because other countries are also struggling.
The state needs 300 million euros to build the core road network. Another 300 million euros are needed to maintain the roads in good condition.
Holm said that if roads are not repaired on time, it will cost more in the long run. Every year, 213 million euros are needed, but 80 million euros are missing.
In 2024, there were many traffic fatalities in Estonia. Holm said that the problem lies both in the condition of the roads and in traffic culture.
Latvia lacks much more money for the construction of Rail Baltica than Estonia. Holm said that this needs to be seriously discussed with Latvia.