Ansip “We Will Not Cut Pensions in Estonia”

As reported by Postimees, the Prime Minister Andrus Ansip commented on the new economic forecast issued by the Minister of Finance and said that the current government is not planning to cut down on pensions adding that he would not support a coalition doing so.

During a press conference held today, said that Estonia could earn over 6 milliard EEK from the sale of pollution quotas and also mentioned that 1,2 million EEK from fines have not reached the State budget – yet.

“ We have asked for the money from drunk drivers but the money has not reached the State budget,” said Ansip. “ We do not deal with that.”

“And to talk about cutting down on pensions or parental benefits instead is absolutely unacceptable!” “ I will say it again: I will not be a part of the government that will reduce pensions. I don’t see a rational point in that.”

Ansip accentuated that Estonia is still heading towards Euro and for that the government has a plan based on step as using EU benefits, taking dividends from companies and claiming the money coming from fines.”

“ Even if the press thinks that reducing pensions is more attractive, this will not happen,” said Ansip.

Financial Minister Jürgen Ligi and PM Andrus Ansip both think that this year they should start cutting back from government’s expenses also. Though Ansip is less optimist about this solutions as he foresees that the amount of money coming from that is a lot smaller that the amount from using benefits from the EU, taking dividends from companies and claiming fine money.