Uncertainty over Prime Minister Kaja Kallas’ (Reform) next step – to remain head of government at home or to leave for a top-level European Union job per the speculation – is harming the government’s ability to deal with the current precarious state finances in Estonia, Minister of Education and Research Kristina Kallas (Eesti 200) said Wednesday.
Speaking to ETV politics show “Esimene stuudio,” Minister Kallas said: “For the Reform Party, security is the most vital issue, but Estonia needs more robustness and a balanced budget, and that is something which keeps me awake at night.”
“We need to be able to explain to the public why we make the decisions in the government that we do. We need a national agreement whereby we will cut costs, raise taxes, and take out loans. We have to do all these things. Other than austerity measures, there are no alternatives,” Kallas went on.
The minister said that this need not mean Kaja Kallas, no relation, should step down as prime minister.
“I am not waiting for Kaja Kallas to leave office. I am awaiting clarity. The current uncertainty is hampering the government’s work,” she said.
More read: ERR.EE