The former heads of government were welcomed and hosted by current incumbent Kristen Michal at the reception, held at the recently renovated Estonian Knighthood House (Rüütelkonna hoone). Those who arrived early were given a guided tour of the building

Attending the event were: Current High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas (prime minister 2021-2024), Andrus Ansip (2005-2014), Siim Kallas (2002-2003), Mart Laar (1992-1994 and 1999-2002), Juhan Parts (2003-2005), Jüri Ratas (2016-2021), Andres Tarand (1994-1995), and Tiit Vähi (1995-1997). The two other living former prime ministers, Mart Siimann (1997-1999) and Taavi Rõivas (2014-2016), did not attend.

Michal: Always worth listening to my predecessors' advice

While the event was a cordial, social gathering, some of the former leaders addressed the current economic situation in Estonia. Some recommended the current government lower the tax burden and help the economy grow.

Michal said that the advice of former prime ministers was worth listening to, given that they, too, had enjoyed both good times and periods of tougher tensions, during their time in office.

"I would indeed listen and I do listen, as, regardless of political preference, as has been stated, the peak office of prime minister at is quite lonely, so you still have to get advice from someone, and former prime ministers make good advisers," the prime minister said.

Vähi said that one factor currently hindering the development of the economy is excessive regulations. "I highly praise the fact that the economic council, headed by Viljar Arakas, has made a proposal for a significant reduction in regulations. I have even heard that as many as 500 regulations should be abolished or reduced. That is very good," Vähi said.

Parts recommended that the government consider cuts in state budget discussions.

"When our economy is declining and there are objective factors, it is completely incomprehensible to try to boost the economy by raising taxes. There is an error going on here, I would say. In the past, it was still the case that if there was difficulty in the budget and it was necessary to bring the budget to a reasonable level, then two-thirds needed to be cut and one-third needed to be looked for in additional revenue," he noted.

Ratas meanwhile said that the government should consider how to slow inflation. "I think that this price increase, which has brought about very large wage growth and has brought even greater inflation… I think that people simply cannot withstand this inflation."

Restoration of Independence Day is a national holiday which falls on August 20.

Editor's note: This article was updated to include statements by the current and former prime ministers.

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