Budget Unveiled with Defense Boost, Healthcare Cuts
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Estonia's government has unveiled its draft budget for the upcoming year, totaling 21.3 billion euros, which allocates increased funding to defense and pensions while reducing healthcare spending. In a related development, the government plans to increase salaries for teachers and rescuers but intends to freeze its own pay raises.
In other domestic news, a truck driver has appeared in court following a fatal accident that resulted in the deaths of a father and his eight-year-year-old daughter. Separately, an investigation alleges a secret network of Russian intelligence agents was involved in the success and conviction of Estonian YouTuber Oleg Bessedini.
Meanwhile, a Ukrainian-owned cafe in Estonia has become a popular culinary destination, attracting tourists globally for its potato pancakes. The ruling coalition, comprising the Reform Party and Estonia 200, continues to operate as a minority government after losing its parliamentary majority in August.