The leader of the Estonian Centrist Party, Mikhail Kõlvart, says the party wants to help local governments and Estonia get out of difficult situations. He spoke about this at a party meeting in Jõgeva.
Kõlvart said that both Estonia and the capital city, Tallinn, are stuck in problems. He believes that the work of the government and local leaders is connected. He also said that some people in leadership positions do not know how to work well.
The Prime Minister, Kaja Kallas, talks about economic growth, but real life is different. For example, shoplifting has increased. Stores now put security tags on coffee beans and energy drinks. Estonia has high inflation, and food has become very expensive.
The condition of cars is also bad. Because of a car tax, car sales have dropped, and many cars are breaking down because people cannot afford to repair them. There is also not enough money to fix roads.
Kõlvart said Estonia needs a new story or goal. He asked what Estonia’s new goal should be. He thinks this story cannot come from political parties or government offices. The government suggested Estonia could be a test lab for green energy or a European prison, but Kõlvart does not think these are good ideas.
Kõlvart said the local elections this fall are important. He believes the Reform Party government has reduced the income of cities and towns and given them new responsibilities. He said the 2027 parliamentary elections are needed to improve local governments. Kõlvart promised that the Centrist Party will help Estonian cities, towns, and villages get out of their problems and, in two years, the whole country.