The speech of the President of the Republic Alar Karis at the appointment of the Government of the Republic headed by Kristen Michal in Kadriorg.
Dear ministers, journalists.
I am glad that only one week passed between the resignation of Kaja Kallas and the appointment of the government led by Kristen Michal. Of course, in such a change of government, one can also see boring predestination, from the name of the prime minister to the coalition partners.
But the reality is not so simple. The three political parties have different interests, different views, different negotiating tactics, different wishes for the distribution of positions. Even if they have already ruled together for over a year and are now ruling again.
You have reached an agreement and Estonia will get a government with a large parliamentary majority. Such a majority, due to the increase in the strength of the current coalition since the last election, gives you a special responsibility. I mean more dialogue between the government and the people of Estonia, as well as between the opposition and the coalition.
The monologue of power makes power dull and distant with little trust. Now is your chance to move that trust curve up.
A week ago, I met with the leaders of the parliamentary parties and the candidate for prime minister. Kristen Michal formulated her goal as head of government simply: to turn the insecurity prevalent in society into certainty. His words were also echoed by one of the influential members of the opposition, saying that the new government should become a government of confidence.
Estonian people need the same. To dispel uncertainty and gain confidence. So that our demographic outlook improves, not worsens.
As Estonian people, we want honest explanations of what and why the government is doing to gain confidence. We want a clear message without official justifications or domestically polished slogans. Then we will understand the government’s decisions.
We know taxes are going up and so are people’s deductibles. But at the same time, we expect an understandable justification from the government, which we can receive for the higher tax money collected from our people. A greater sense of security than before, economic and security, that’s for sure.
But where does the active role of government in finding and providing perspective matter? Economy. Industry. Energetics. Quality workforce. Investments. Competitiveness. Without them there is no economic growth.
Instead of a one-year state budget, we need more attention to budget strategy and sticking to it. In this way, the government can improve the predictability of the economic environment, the transparency of state governance, and increase the economic security of employers and contractors.
Of course, a balance must be found here with security funding, because Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the biggest war in Europe since 1945, is also exhausting for Estonia’s state budget.
Effective national defense is expensive, but defenselessness is hopelessly more expensive. NATO’s new defense plans, really important plans, were drawn up together with Estonia, and Estonia had to know what their price was. We have to pay this price now, then we can also ask the allies for their contribution.
I wish your government success and a quick induction for the five new ministers.
For my part, I promise to continue to be a practical partner to the government, although demanding and, if necessary, also asking direct questions, but never peevish.
But now – get to work!
2024-07-22 13:55:58
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