The matter started with Lauri Läänemets' post. He criticized that the state budget has 800 million euros of surplus. Läänemets said that in reality, the surplus is only 340 million euros.
Läänemets mentioned that in 2025, taxes will bring in more than 504.2 million euros. However, amounts already covered by laws must be subtracted from this. For example, the renewable energy fee of 68 million euros and the social tax of 43 million euros. Thus, the actual surplus is 340.6 million euros.
Läänemets said that the Ministry of Finance predicts postponing Rail Baltica investments to the next year by 257 million euros. This will improve the state budget's position, but no additional money will be received.
Prime Minister Michal responded to Läänemets. He said that Läänemets is a great guy, but finance should be calculated by experts. Michal emphasized that an 800 million better position does not mean spending it. One must be frugal next year.
Läänemets responded to Michal again. He asked how the Prime Minister can say that public finances are in order. He stressed that according to the Ministry of Finance's data, only 340.6 million euros will be received.
Michal responded that Läänemets needs basic mathematics. He said that the state budget's position is better for three reasons: better tax collection, control of public sector costs, and timing of investments.
Läänemets commented on Michal's post on Facebook. He said that the Prime Minister's talk does not align with the reality of finances. He asked where the funding source is for defense costs and salary increases.