The government, led by Kristen Michal, has been in charge for over four months, with some ministers serving even longer than the previous administration. However, confusion continues to grow in how the state is being managed. We are facing some of the highest inflation rates in Europe, and many people are worried about their declining living standards. A sense of recklessness also feels similar to what we experienced during the pandemic. This is evident in the lack of concern surrounding the bankruptcy of Nordica, our national airline, and the troubling actions of Eesti Energia, the state energy company. These issues are not just government matters; they directly impact the lives of our citizens.
The tale does not stop there. The situation regarding the education agreement remains tumultuous—opposition from local governments, who argue that the agreement places a significant financial burden on their budgets without adequate state support, suggests it may not be completed anytime soon. Furthermore, there are significant issues with the working conditions of rescue workers, problems in our court system, and missteps related to moving towards greener energy. One might question whether some government members should look for other job opportunities before Christmas.
Who should be held accountable for the troubles with Nordica and the questionable activities of Eesti Energia?
**The Role of Economic Minister Erki Keldo**
Economic Minister Erki Keldo has been largely silent regarding the airline’s collapse, which has cost millions, and the issues at Eesti Energia. His only response has been that the state should not own companies because it cannot effectively manage them and that these businesses should be partly privatized. However, is this really all he can offer? As someone with the Reform Party since 2012, he has not made notable contributions to improving the situation.
There is no plan from Keldo to strengthen the oversight of state-owned companies, nor is there a genuine intention to replace ineffective and politically appointed supervisory board members. Unfortunately, it seems we have a minister who’s not equipped to lead any significant changes. This suggests we need someone new at the Ministry of Economic Affairs—ideally, someone with expertise rather than just political experience. The competence of our ministers is in question, and we need more capable leadership.
The same concern applies to Infrastructure Minister Vladimir Svet, who shares responsibility for the Nordica situation. Is he the best choice for this role? His most notable achievement appears to be the introduction of red bicycle lanes in Tallinn, which have caused significant traffic disruptions, such as increased congestion and longer commute times—an ongoing issue for the city.
During a press conference about Nordica’s bankruptcy, Svet shifted blame to those who came before him, stating that having a national airline was not realistic and describing it as a “beautiful dream” gone wrong. Such comments echo similar dismissals from our Minister of Education, indicating a troubling trend in Estonian politics where accountability is lacking; when government officials waste public funds, the ordinary citizens suffer the consequences, not the politicians who seem to escape responsibility.
**Is Minister of Education Kristina Kallas Preparing to Resign?**
As more municipalities reject Kristina Kallas’s education agreement proposal—mainly due to local leaders looking out for their communities’ interests—we must wonder if she will follow through on her promise to resign if the agreement is not approved by year’s end. Given the declining popularity of her party under her leadership, many feel it is time for her to step down.
So far, over half of Estonia’s municipalities have refused to sign the agreement Kallas created. They cite reasons like the financial burden it places on their budgets without adequate state support and because it needs to consider the unique needs of different communities. Many of these municipalities already have sufficient systems for supporting teachers and do not see the need for changes proposed in the agreement.
Vsevolod Jürgenson
