Minister of Culture Tiit Terik (Center) has turned down a request for €20 million in compensation for COVID-19 damages from theaters, movie theaters, music, museum and arts institutions.
Member of the Riigikogu Finance Committee, former Finance Minister Aivar Sõerd (Reform) told ERR's "Otse uudistemajast" webcast that the government cannot simply pay for general price advance, commenting on Estonia's supplementary state budget.
In addition to expenses tied to refugee accommodation and civil protection, Estonia's supplementary state budget aims to bolster energy security. Plans are in place to develop capacity to handle large quantities of liquified natural gas (LNG), with investments to connect small renewable energy producers to the grid also on the table. The coalition is still debating whether to slash excise duties on motor fuels.