Margus Tsahkna told ERR that it is difficult to explain whether all the tax increases were necessary. He said that the Social Democrats are behind them.
Tsahkna explained that when Eesti 200 entered the government in 2023, the numbers were very bad. The government had to immediately tighten the budget and look for ways to increase state revenues. Today, the situation is the same. The government has had financial difficulties, especially due to the need to raise salaries for defense and public sector employees.
Last year, the government made decisions, such as increasing corporate income tax and removing the income tax exemption threshold. This gave people more money. Now, we have seen a new fiscal forecast showing an 800 million euro surplus. Therefore, it is justified to ask whether the tax increases were necessary.
Tsahkna said that it was difficult for the government to explain whether all the taxes were necessary. For example, the car tax has become a symbol that does not bring benefits, like the Social Democrats' alcohol tax once did. Tsahkna believes that it would be possible to leave out some taxes.
He said that the government's goal is to help people make ends meet and reduce the burden on the economy. Tsahkna said that now it is necessary to decide which taxes can be left out. For example, raising teachers' and rescuers' salaries is important, but some taxes, like the car tax, are not necessary.
Tsahkna said that the Social Democrats have a different worldview. They want to take more money from people, but Eesti 200 believes that people should have more money in their hands, which helps develop the economy. He said that the Social Democrats have wanted a car tax for years, but now it is possible to leave it out.
Tsahkna concluded by saying that Eesti 200 will not dissolve. He said that the party is showing good politics and hopes for positive feedback.