Following a couple of week's intensive negotiations, the Reform Party and the Union of Pro Patria and Res Publica have now agreed on the new list of Ministers in their majority Government coalition.

Ups and Downs pointing towards Healthy Directions

For the first time in three years, preliminary figures from Statistics Estonia indicate a small Estonian budget surplus in 2010.

Draft on a Policy Agreement

It took the Reform Party/IRL Estonian Government coalition shorter time to sketch a 55-page policy agreement draft then it took them to distribute the Minister portfolios among their candidates.

A somewhat weaker fiscal stance envisaged

The March 2011 issue of SEB's Eastern European Outlook envisages a somewhat weaker fiscal stance from the Estonian Government over the next four years.

Contrasts

Despite last year's impressive economic support programs by the EU and IMF, the financial situation in the so called PIIGS countries continue to worry economic analysts. Meanwhile, the Swedish krona hasn't been as strong since November 1992.

Please enjoy reading e-focus Nr. 4 - 2011.

Sincerely,

Kristiina Sikk
SCCE Ombudsman