Four Eesti Pank presidential candidates participated in the debate: Andrus Alber, Ülo Kaasik, Kilvar Kessler, and Margus Rink. They discussed the merger of Eesti Pank and the Financial Supervision Authority.
Kilvar Kessler said the merger is good. It helps work better. It gives Estonia a stronger voice.
Margus Rink did not want the merger. He said large institutions do not work well. It does not save money.
Andrus Alber said many mergers fail. It needs to be thoroughly studied first.
Ülo Kaasik said the merger has both good and bad sides. Better cooperation is good. But some work cannot be transferred.
All agreed that Eesti Pank should communicate more. People do not know what the bank does.
Regarding inflation, the candidates said Eesti Pank provides advice. Decisions in the European Union are made together. The state can influence inflation.
Regarding the economy, the candidates said short-term forecasts are easier. Long-term forecasts are harder.
Regarding the budget, the candidates said Eesti Pank warns. The government makes popular decisions. But the bank cannot make decisions.