Estonian president urges leaders of ruling parties to solve electricity price crisis

TALLINN – After a discussion on the electricity price crisis with the leaders of the parties of the governing coalition on Tuesday, Estonian President Alar Karis said he hopes that the government will find quick and fair solutions.

"Many people in Estonia are in trouble and worried. Their bafflement and indignation at the sharp rise in electricity and heating bills is understandable," Karis said according to spokespeople. "Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and the speaker of the Riigikogu, Juri Ratas, assured me today that the government will try to find solutions to help as many people in need as possible," he said.

"None of us want to live in debt, but to pay our bills on time," the president said, adding that these people can not be left in the cold, both directly and indirectly.

"I am glad that also in the opinion of the head of government, the state-owned Eesti Energia should not charge interest on the rescheduling of electricity bills in this time that is difficult for many customers," the head of state said. "This is an example of an issue that is easy to resolve," he added. 

The president asked the government to find a way to effectively help businesses ranging from family medicine centers to bakeries, many of which are facing the question whether and how to continue their operations in the face of soaring electricity and heating bills.

"According to the prime minister, the Health Insurance Fund is currently preparing a separate support measure for health institutions, which is right and necessary, but many business operators need support," the president said. "Nor can we forget that that we are still facing the coronavirus crisis, which is already overwhelming businesses and many of our fellow citizens,"  Karis said.

The head of state said he hopes that the government will look once again how to compensate  those who need the state's help for the increased energy bills in a fashion appropriate for the e-state -- quickly and with as little red tape as possible.

"If there are obstacles now, you have to work to overcome them," he added.

"We have no time now to waste on unrealistic appeals or citing global developments as an excuse, what is needed are quick and fair solutions to today's problems, while looking ahead, because this winter is not the last and the people of Estonia need sustainable solutions, that is, security for the visible future," Karis added.