The Centre Party considers it important that state power is exercised with respect for people and their fundamental rights. The protection of universal human rights, the prevention of discrimination in all its forms, equal treatment, equal opportunities, solidarity, caring, tolerance, pluralism and freedom – these are the fundamental values of our society.

The principle of solidarity

The slogan “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity” is not a belletristic concept, but underlines the need for a balanced management of society. If there is too much freedom, equality is lost. If you absolutise equality, you lose freedom. The principle of fraternity, or solidarity in the modern sense of the word, is indispensable for creating a reasonable balance between them.

Balance of powers

We believe it is important that there should be a balance between the legislative, executive and judicial branches of government, and that there should be some restraint on the executive, which is now over-balanced.

Subsidiarity or proximity principle

We respect the principle of subsidiarity – that decisions affecting a locality should be taken in the locality whose life is affected by the decision. This will ensure that local needs and traditions are better taken into account, and ultimately that regions develop in a sustainable way. Issues that by their very nature need to be regulated at the level of the national authorities or that offer the prospect of a significantly better outcome in terms of protection of rights, quality of services or sustainability need to be addressed at the level of the national authorities. Consistent application of the subsidiarity principle implies respect for and promotion of parliamentarianism and local self-government. The viability of local government is a strong counterweight to the corporate state model.

Quality public information

One of the most important features of a democratic society is the ability of people to have access to a sufficient variety and quality of information to shape their political preferences. The right of every individual to fair and accessible information is one of their fundamental rights. The information provided to the public by political parties, the Riigikogu and the government apparatus must be of high quality and sufficient to monitor and make sense of policy. We believe it is important to have a diverse and balanced media space, and the state must intervene where necessary to achieve this.

Developing statehood and democracy

Respect for consistency

Respecting the contributions of previous generations is at the heart of our political action. We value the continuity of the Estonian state. We value and honour the founders of our country, the fighters of the War of Independence and the creators of the economic base of the Estonian state. We appreciate the work of those generations who ensured the survival of our nation, culture and the foundations of our economy during the years of Soviet annexation and made possible the restoration of our national independence. We acknowledge and appreciate those who were able to preserve and enrich our nation’s cultural traditions during their time abroad, and who helped restore our national independence.

Improving democratic governance

Throughout the ages, the Centre Party has attached importance to people having a greater say in politics. In addition to improving the quality of representative democracy, we will continue to advocate for the people to be able to elect their president and directly express their preferences, including between elections, through opinion polls, referendums, participatory websites and other solutions. As a political party, we value direct contact with voters and will continue to organise face-to-face meetings and events.

Citizens’ Initiative

We encourage civic initiative and channel the creative energy of the public in developing a sense of belonging in Estonian society. We encourage people to focus their interest, initiative and activity on their own well-being and that of others, and on solving various social, cultural, environmental and other important problems.

Popular debates

We will link the adoption of major decisions and reform agendas in different areas of public life to a wide-ranging debate involving academics and practitioners in the relevant fields, as well as representatives of different stakeholders.

Parliamentary democracy

Parliamentarism in Estonia needs to be developed and strengthened. Current developments have reduced the decision-making power of the Riigikogu as the people’s representative body at the expense of increasing the powers of the executive. Parliament needs to be created the conditions that will enable it to monitor and evaluate the work of government agencies. To this end, it also needs a support team of sufficient quality to guarantee its information, analysis and development capacity.

Extending the rights of representation

It must have the right to ask for and use information independently to a much greater extent than hitherto, and to be able to set up stronger committees of inquiry, to which it would be possible to invite, where necessary, not only ministers but also the heads of the main public authorities and agencies (public prosecutor, PPA, KAPO, etc.), as well as representatives of the various private institutions and citizens concerned, to report.

Citizenship policy

\”Grey passports\” must disappear

We aim to minimise the number of persons with undetermined or foreign citizenship and increase the number of Estonian citizens. Citizenship must be granted to those who lived in Estonia before 1991 in a simplified procedure.

Children born in Estonia must be granted Estonian citizenship

Children born in Estonia to at least one parent who is a permanent resident of Estonia must acquire Estonian citizenship.

Protection of citizens’ rights and freedoms

Balance of rights and obligations

We strive for a society where citizens’ rights and responsibilities are balanced.

Justice for citizens

The constitutional rights of every Estonian must be protected at home and abroad. The capacity and quality of legal aid offices in regional centres must be further developed. Accessing and enforcing their rights – from legal aid in court to bailiffs and more technical procedures – must be affordable. We consider it necessary to increase the out-of-court settlement of disputes and complaints, by deploying officials effectively and resolving citizens’ complaints quickly and fairly.

Respecting the rights of minorities

Parliamentary democracy does not simply mean the right of the majority to exercise state power in any way and regardless of any values. The majority’s discretion is limited by internationally recognised and protected human rights standards, which require that the rights of minorities must be respected and not ignored in the face of the majority’s voice.

PROTECTION

In order to safeguard people’s rights in everyday life and in the sphere of consumption, we consider it useful to strengthen voluntary and national consumer protection institutions. Vigorous and transparent control of monopolies and cartels is necessary to protect people against possible market arbitrariness.

Civic education and initiative

Adequate civic education, which we will develop in cooperation with universities, will underpin civic leadership. We will support community initiative, volunteering, entrepreneurship and collective action.

Political parties

Political parties – the guarantors of the country’s continued development

The consistent and sustainable development of a country is not possible on the basis of various one-off “project parties” or electoral alliances that do not take responsibility for the consequences of their policies. The Centre Party supports the emergence of strong parties with a large membership that are able to engage in a continuous, reasoned political dialogue with their opponents and ensure the continuity and well-considered renewal of state power, and that take responsibility for the consequences of their decisions.

The parties’ links with their voters

We believe it is important for political parties to maintain close links with their members and voters, and we will lead by example. We believe that it makes sense for the parliamentary parties to actively promote their vision of the world and to inform the public, and that adequate resources should be channelled to this end.

The aim of the Centre Party – strengthening the middle class

The middle class – a guarantee for the sustainable development of society

In order to ensure the sustainable development of Estonia, it is necessary to create a prosperous middle class (skilled workers and professionals who create value through their work, owners of small and medium-sized enterprises, employee-owners, educated people), which is the main guarantor of the development of a democratic and sustainable society.

THE ABOLITION OF WAGE INEQUALITY AND THE GROWTH OF THE MIDDLE CLASS AT THE EXPENSE OF THE LOWER CLASSES.

We will work to ensure that wage inequality does not exist in Estonia. This in turn requires continuous training and upgrading of the workforce to ensure its capacity to use modern technologies and produce more added value. Ultimately, this means consistently minimising the underclass at the expense of raising the education and qualifications of workers and thereby increasing the middle class, consistently increasing and strengthening the middle class.

Alliance with entrepreneurs

The Centre Party counts as its strong allies entrepreneurs who promote honest entrepreneurship, pay taxes, are oriented towards knowledge-based production and are willing to participate in finding innovative solutions and financing the applied research necessary for the continuous modernisation of production, promote Estonian life and are willing and able to pay their employees good wages.

Protecting the less well-off and combating social injustice

The Centre Party’s objective is the balanced and sustainable development of society. This requires strong support for those members of society who, for various reasons, have fallen under unfair pressure or oppression.

General principles of statehood

Central and local government

The state is made up of national bodies (legislative, executive and judicial) on the one hand, and local authorities on the other. Despite their different national and local functions and their different ways of working, they share a common purpose and together form a single, integrated system designed to promote the life of their people and protect their rights. Central and local government are partners in solving local problems, not in the position of dispenser and executor.

A capable state

We do not advocate a ‘simple state’, but a state that works in the interests of its citizens, that is accessible, protective and capable. What is important is that the state has sufficient strategic and analytical capacity, and is able to implement the political objectives mandated by the people. The Centre Party deplores calls to ‘shrink the state’, to substantially reduce taxes and to commercialise state functions, which are hostile to ordinary citizens. We consider it reasonable to simplify administration and diversify governance solutions, but we believe it is possible to impose rules and increase the role of the state where necessary.

Overcoming administrative fragmentation

The functioning of the Estonian state is severely hampered by the prioritisation of inter-agency interests – decisions are often taken on the basis of what is beneficial to one or another agency rather than the Estonian state as a whole. Some areas of life are fragmented between several different and duplicating ministries. An important aim of strengthening parliamentarism is to break down national departmental barriers and prioritise the general public interest and consolidate the state.

Consistently avoiding a bureaucratic style of administration

An essential feature of the democratic state we are striving for is simple and transparent administration, a clear commitment to goals and not to rules or rituals. Accordingly, we will make it a priority for the development of the state to control bureaucracy, to simplify the various regulations and funding schemes in a sensible way, and to promote paperless administration in all areas of life, including ministries, state agencies, local authorities, education and research institutions, and the social sphere.

State presence throughout Estonia

We attach great importance to the presence of state authorities throughout Estonia, which means in particular improving the efficiency of the existing county state offices. Citizens must be able to communicate with any government department through an authorised official in any county centre.

Image of the State

We believe it is important to continue to shape the image of the Estonian state and its educational, cultural and innovative image, both in Europe and more widely, and we support Estonian officials, diplomats, entrepreneurs and representatives of other sectors in this work.

A knowledge-based country

Involving science in governance

To ensure the sustainability of the state and its international competitiveness, it is essential to apply knowledge-based governance in all areas of society, including in the work of central and different state and local authorities. This implies the involvement of the intellectual input of universities and other institutions in shaping governance decisions, and the wide use of the results of social and applied research in all areas of society and at all levels of governance.

Scientific analysis of positive and negative experiences

An obligatory component of knowledge-based governance is a thorough analysis of developments in Estonia, taking into account both positive and negative experiences and avoiding mechanical copying of other countries’ experiences. It is necessary to take into account global and EU developments, to find common ground and a meaningful division of labour with allies. This requires the development of applied research centres and a much greater investment in the social and ethnic sciences.

Foresight and anticipation of societal developments

The hallmark of a smart and capable state is the early anticipation and prevention of problems in various areas of life. This requires the allocation of substantial resources to development and prevention planning in different areas of life.

Improving the qualifications and administrative capacity of the civil service

We attach importance to an educated public administration with high administrative capacity and quality. The training and further training of civil servants must be organised in cooperation with universities in a much more systematic way than hitherto, both in terms of state science and specific sectoral knowledge. We attach great importance to valuing the work of police officers, education, research, medical and social workers, prison guards, rescue workers, youth and sports workers and civil servants.

Quality information and advice

We live in an information age, where those who survive are those who know how to use information (Jeremy Rifkin). The development of modern systems of counselling (vocational and career, employment, parenting and education, legal, debt, migration, consumer, social, disability, victims of domestic and intimate violence, etc.) is seen as essential by professionals in various fields. This clearly points to the need for a broader nationwide information and advice system to provide the public with the information they need, in the form of enquiries, counselling and specific advice.

People-centred proactive information systems

National registers and databases, and other various data collections, contain a wealth of information that is essential for people, as well as for organisations, to know and fulfil their rights, opportunities and obligations in a smooth and timely manner. It makes sense to develop a proactive, web-based citizen information system based on this information, which automatically provides the relevant information in a human and comprehensible form.

Investing in human capital

Estonia is not rich in natural resources, and one of the most important guarantees of our success has been the very high level of knowledge, skills and qualifications of our people. Investing in ‘human capital’ – upgrading the skills of our workforce and giving real substance to lifelong learning – is crucial to maintaining the competitiveness of our economy. We believe it is necessary to develop a broad system of continuing education, funded by the state and by business, based on existing vocational schools and higher education centres, where every worker has the opportunity to receive regular, free continuing education and to improve their qualifications.

A sophisticated e-Government

We attach great importance to the quality and security of e-channels. Rather than a rush job, we believe it is important to develop the e-Governance in a thoughtful and sober way, with an understanding of its overall costs and security risks. The public needs to be kept informed of both progress and challenges. Attention needs to be paid to the protection of people’s fundamental rights and privacy in the face of the ever-increasing scale and cross-use of registers, as well as to safeguarding security against cyber threats and automation risks.

Security and defence policy

COLLECTIVE SECURITY POLICY

Estonia’s main foreign and security policy objective is to safeguard the independence and sovereignty of the Estonian state, the constitutional order and the livelihood of its people. We fully support the European Security Policy Mission and Strategy Plan agreed in 2016. Estonia’s national security and national defence is based on the foreign and security policy of our country. We support the development of collective security policy agendas and participate in their implementation.

Cooperation with allies

We support global transnational cooperation to reduce international security risks and to create a safer and fairer world. Europe’s defence policy must be developed in close cooperation with NATO and the European Union, which will pave the way for a successful fight against terrorism, organised crime (including cybercrime) and the uncontrolled proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), which threaten human well-being.

Common foreign and defence policy

We consider it expedient to continue expanding and enhancing the European Union’s common foreign and defence policy, which requires the active participation of Estonia in shaping it.

The external borders of the European Union

We consider it important that Estonia’s external border is fully developed and continues to be developed on the basis of the most innovative and high technology possible. As this is the external border of the EU, we will involve the material and intellectual resources of the European Union in this work.

Managing illegal migration

We will support the strengthening and securing of the European Union’s borders and the strengthening of background checks on potential migrants, which will provide the basis for a fair migration policy in the interests of the security of all EU countries. We also consider it necessary, in order to prevent terrorism in the European Union, to develop pan-European IT capabilities for the early identification and prosecution, in accordance with the law, of persons who may be a terrorist threat.

Fight against terrorism

We believe that common action by the European Union in this area is a prerequisite for the comprehensive prevention of terrorism. We are in favour of subjecting the foreign and security policy of the European Union and its Member States to the democratic scrutiny of the national parliaments, leaving it to national parliaments to decide on the participation of their troops in military operations.

The fight against trafficking in human beings

We consider it important to strengthen the European Union’s institutions to combat trafficking in human beings, and to develop Estonian and European legislation to combat trafficking in human beings, with a particular focus on organisations working at grassroots level.

The basis of defence policy

We consider the basis of Estonian defence policy to be active foreign policy, cooperation with allies, continuous improvement of the country’s self-defence capabilities, and development of the Defence Forces to achieve NATO’s force capability goals.

Self-defence

We consider it important to develop Estonia’s primary self-defence capability. We see as the main measures to strengthen this the consistent improvement of the qualification of officers and specialists in connection with the general obligation of military service, the effective pre-service training of conscripts, the acquisition of knowledge, skills and experience during service, and the further training of reservists. Emphasis will be placed on the work of the Defence League and organisations promoting patriotic education.

General service obligation

We consider it necessary to maintain the general obligation to perform military service, which, in addition to national defence, is of great educational, social and educational importance.

Diplomacy. European Union

Our ambitions for the European Union

The European Union must function as a structure that encourages Member States to concentrate on the highest possible level of human development, supporting best practice in the fields of worker protection, accessible health and education, environmental protection and other areas. In this way, we will ensure the highest possible quality of life for every citizen.

Diplomatic representation

We consider it useful to have Estonian permanent representations and embassies in strategically important locations around the world. We will look for ways to cooperate more closely with the Baltic States, the Scandinavian countries and other EU allies in establishing joint representations (e.g. representatives in the embassy of a neighbouring country in the absence of an embassy in their own country). Estonia’s diplomacy is effective thanks to well thought-out and close cooperation with its allies, including in particular its partners in the European Union.

International mediation

We support the preference for diplomacy and dialogue over military conflict and see Estonia as a strong negotiator in international crisis situations. The primary goal of Estonian diplomacy is to be a rational and neutral conflict resolver in the region and the world.

UN and international organisations

We stress the importance of global cooperation and support the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We consider it necessary to increase Estonia’s contribution to development cooperation, sustainable living and a more equal and democratic world. At the same time, we support the growing importance of the United Nations as an organisation that is more united, more active and more effective.

Eastern Partnership programmes

Estonia’s historical experience and geographical location make it an important link in the European Union’s Eastern Partnership programmes and a bridge-builder between the European Union and the countries of the former Soviet Union.

Enlargement of the European Union

We are in favour of continuing the enlargement of the European Union on the basis of the Copenhagen criteria. All candidate countries must be treated in a demanding and equal manner, but with due regard for their specific national characteristics. At the same time, we consider it important to continue to contribute to closer cooperation with the countries of the Eastern Partnership and their integration into the European Union.

A stronger information bridge with the EU

We believe it is important to better inform the Estonian people about new EU initiatives and to take their views into account, as well as to create wider access to various EU information collections.

International relations and public diplomacy

We attach importance to the development of good neighbourly relations in international relations, including the instruments of citizen diplomacy, scientific diplomacy, cultural exchange and youth diplomacy.

Baltic Sea Region cooperation

Parliamentary cooperation

We will focus on developing equal, good neighbourly and inclusive relations with Estonia’s neighbours around the Baltic Sea, including in particular the countries of the Baltic Sea region. We attach importance to Estonia’s active participation in various parliamentary cooperation and consultative bodies and to maintaining an active dialogue with all Estonia’s neighbours.

Cross-border cooperation and Baltic Sea Programme cooperation programmes

We consider the development of cross-border cooperation and cooperation programmes for the implementation of the Baltic Sea Strategy, and the implementation of various joint projects in the fields of environmental protection, health, culture, economy and education, as well as the development of civil society and the living environment, in cooperation with partners from neighbouring countries, to be important regional policy opportunities.

Citizenship-based cooperation

We strongly support cross-border cooperation projects based on local initiative and community involvement.

Kohalik omavalitsus kui kodanikuühiskonna alus

Keskerakond on seisukohal, et kohalikud omavalitsused on kodanikuühiskonna alus. Meie eesmärk kohaliku omavalitsuse poliitika valdkonnas on Eesti Vabariigi Põhiseaduse mõtte kohase kodaniku­ühis­konna kujunemine ja elanike sisuline kaasa­tus kohaliku elu küsimuste otsustamisse. Tugineme Euroopa kohalike omavalitsuste harta põ­himõtetele.

Kohalike omavalitsuse rolli suurendamine

Kohalike omavalitsuste otsustusõigust ühiskonnaelu juhti­misel ja korraldamisel tu­leb suurendada. Pooldame nende iseseisvuse ja vastutuse suurendamist: õiguste laie­n­damist oma eelarve kujunda­misel ja võimaluste loomist neile seadustega pandud koha­liku elu korraldamiseks. Oluline on tugev­dada kohalike omavalitsuste maakondliku koostöötasandi koordi­neerivat ning arengu­stra­tee­giaid kujundavat rolli, tagamaks kohalike huvide ja üld-riiklike huvide tasakaalustatud elluviimist.

Piisav ja poliitilistest eelistustest sõltumatu tulubaas

Kohalikele omavalitsustele peavad olema tagatud võimalused kohaliku sotsiaalse infrastruktuuri (laste­aiad, koolid, sotsiaalhoolekande asutused, kultuuri- ja spordi­asu­tused jne) ja tehnilise infra­struk­tuuri korras­hoiuks ja arenda­miseks. Kohalikele omavalitsustele tuleb tagada nende ülesannete täit­miseks piisav ning poliitilistest eelistustest sõltumatu tulubaas. Kohalike omavalitsuste arenguvõima­luste ühtlustamise tagamiseks on vajalik õiglaste tasandusmehhanismide raken­da­mi­ne.

Arengut tagav eelarve

Meie suund on kohalike omavalitsuste tulubaasi viimine sellisele tasemele, mis tagab li­saks igapäe­vaste ülesannete täitmisele raha ka inves­teeringuteks, põhivara ku­lumi katmiseks ning projektipõhiste investeeringutoetuste kasutamise oma­osaluse katteks.

Kontroll elutähtsate teenuste üle

Elutähtsate üldkasutatavate kommunikatsioonide ja infrastruktuuri (ühis­veevärk, kanalisatsioon, soojusvõrgud, ühistransport) stabiilse ning jätkusuutliku toimimise eest, sõltumata nen­de omandi­vor­mist, vastutab kohalik omavalitsus. Omavalitsustel peab olema tagatud kontroll elutähtsate teenuste asjakohase korraldamise üle nii tava- kui ka kriisiolukorras.

Teehoiu rahastamise suurendamine

Pöörame senisest suuremat tähelepanu kohalike teede ning tänavate võrgu aren­damisele, suuren­dades selleks järk-järgult kohalike teede hoiu rahastamist. Strateegiliselt tähtsate ühen­dusteede kõrval tuleb tagada ka kohalike teede ning linnatänavate ja oluliste liiklus­sõlmede kaasaegne tase ning läbilaskevõime.

Munitsipaalmaa osakaalu suurendamine

Munitsipaalmaa osakaalu tuleb suurendada ning elukeskkonna ja ettevõtluse arendamiseks vajalik maa munitsipaliseerida.

Omavalitsuste abi korteri- ja elamuühistutele

Kohalikud omavalitsused peavad jätkuvalt toetama korteri- ja elamuühistuid ning osutama korteri­­omanikele vajadusel abi korteri- ning elamuühistute eesmärgipärase toimimise korraldamiseks.

Omavalitsuste tugi töökohtade loomisele

Keskerakond peab oluliseks kujundada ettevõtluse arendamise ja töökohtade loomise soodustamise ülesanne omavalitsustele seadusega pandud tegelikuks õiguseks ja kohustuseks koos vastava rahasta­misega.

Kohalike omavalitsuste maakondliku ja üleriigilise koostöö edendamine

Edendame kohalike omavalitsuste maakondlikku ja regionaalset koostööd ning suurendame nende rolli suurendamist arengu kavandamisel ja planeeringute koostamisel.

Omavalitsuste vabatahtliku ühinemise toetamine

Keskerakond toetab majanduslikult ja regionaalpoliitiliselt põhjendatud ning kohaliku rahva poolt heakskiidetud omavalitsuste vabatahtlikke ühinemisi ja eri tasandite koostööd.

Kohalike omavalitsuste struktuuri ja koostöö mehhanismide arendamine

Omavalitsuste ühinemine kiirendab külade eneseteadvuse tugevnemist. Kesk­erakond taotleb küla ja külavanema rolli selgemat teadvustamist ühis­konnas ning vastava õigusliku regulatsiooni elu vaja­dustega vastavusse viimist. Peame oluliseks, et osavalla ja külavanema õigused ja kohustused on seadusega määratletud.

Regionaalse arengu üldpõhimõtted

Väldime ääremaastumist

Väikeriigil ei tohi olla ääremaid. Meie eesmärk on vähendada regionaalse arengu suurt eba­ühtlust ning tagada Eesti regionaalselt ja sotsiaalselt terviklik ja tasakaalustatud areng. Toetame jõuliselt erinevate piirkondade konkurentsivõimet tugevdavaid arendusprogramme.

Regioonide tasakaalustatud areng

Eesti regionaalselt tasakaalustatud arengu aluseks seame kvaliteetse tehnilise ja sotsiaalse  infrastruk­tuuri ning oluliste avalike teenuste kättesaadavuse kogu Eestis. Näeme piirkondlike erinevuste tasan­damise ühe võimalusena terri­toriaalselt diferentseeritud maksusüsteemi rakenda­mist.

Piirkondade kommunikatsioonide ja infrastruktuuride arengu tagamine

Riigi ülesanne on toetada kaugemaid piirkondi nende asendist tulenevate majanduslike ja sot­siaalsete probleemide lahendamisel ja teiste piirkondadega samaväärse tehnilise taristu (teed, sada­mad, elektri­varustus, kiire internet, ühistransport jms), sotsiaalse infrastruktuuri (koolid, lasteaiad, spordi-, kultuuri-, tervisekeskused jms) ning oluliste avalike teenuste kättesaadavuse tagamisel. Peame oluliseks kaasaja nõuetele vastava elektroonilise side ja vastavate kvaliteetse teenuste kätte­saadavuse kogu rii­gi territooriumil, kaasa arvatud väikesaared ning hõreda asustusega piirkonnad.

Tõmbekeskuste võrgu jätkuv arendamine

Linnad ja alevid on üheaegselt nii elanike igapäevane elukeskkond kui ka tee­nindus-, kaubandus- ja ühiskonnaelu keskused. Elukorraldus linnades ja alevites peab vastama meie igapäevaelu vajadustele ja tavadele ning olema turvaline. Keskuse või­mest toimida arengumootorina sõltub kogu mõju­piir­konna konkurentsi­võime ning sellest tulenevalt ka areng, mistõttu riik peab kujundama programmi­li­sed võimalused keskuste võrgu jätkuvaks arendamiseks.

Regionaalpoliitika ja Euroopa Liidu poliitika

Peame jätkuvalt oluliseks Eesti tervikliku ja tasakaalustatud regionaalse arendamise vaja­dustest lähtu­va sisemaise regionaalpoliitika integreerimist Euroopa Liidu struk­tuuri­poliitika võimalustega.

Maaelu

Üldine eesmärk

Keskerakonna eesmärk on Eestipõllumajanduse, kalanduse ja toidutootmise mitmekesine ja jätku­suut­lik areng. Riigi ülesanne on aidatatõsta maapiirkondade ettevõtete konkurentsi­võimet ja aren­dada sealset elukeskkonda, et inimestel oleks maal hea elada.

Põllumajandushariduse tähtsus

Peame maaelu arengu vältimatuks eelduseks kõrgetasemeliste põllumajandus­haridusasutuste olemas­olu. Toetame nende juures olevate praktikabaaside, seal­hulgas katseseadmete kaas­ajas­tamist ja neile stabiilsete investeeringute tagamist.

Ekspordile suunatud tootmine

Põllumajandustoodete töötlemine ja eksport on oluline nii põllumajandussektori konkurentsivõime kui kogu riigi majanduse seisukohalt. Mida rohkem välja müüdavast toorainest kohapeal väärindatakse, seda kõrgem ja stabiilsem sissetulek on tagatud Eesti põllumehele ja toidusektorile ning seeläbi luuakse ka uusi töökohti.

Kalandus

Peame oluliseks kalavarude keskkonnahoidlikku majandamist ja püügivõimaluste kättesaadavuse parandamist.

Mahetootmine

Eesti viljakad põllud, liigirikkad rohumaad, metsad, rabad, meri, järved ja jõed on juba sajandeid olnud oluliseks toiduallikaks. Peame väga oluliseks, et Eesti inimeste toidulaual oleks puhas kodumaine toit nii täna kui ka tulevikus.

Eesti põllumajanduskaubad Euroopa Liidu turul

Tagame Eesti põllumeestele senisest õiglasemad konkurentsi­tingi­mused Euroopa Liidu ühisturul. Seisame selle eest, et Eesti põllumehele oleksid tagatud teiste Euroopa Liidu liikmes­riikidega võrdsed toetusmäärad.

Kesk- ja väikeettevõtlus maaelu edendajana

Maapiirkondade jätkusuutlikkuse tagamiseks soosime kesk- ja väikeettevõtluse mitmekesisust.Soodustame erinevate toetusmeetmete kaudu maal elavate inimeste toimetulekut, ettevõtlusega tegelemistja töökohtade loomist.

Taastuvenergia kasutamine

Toetame taastuvenergia riiklikult suunatavat rakendamist, et väärtustada ja hoida elu maal ning luua täiendavaid võimalusi stabiilseks tööhõiveks. Peame oluliseks tegelemist ringmajandusega, kus ühe tootmisprotsessi jäätmed ja kõrvalsaadused on sisendiks teisele.

Kogukonna roll maaelu edendamisel

Maapiirkonna potentsiaali maksimaalseks kasutamiseks vajame tugevaid kogukondi, kes on valmis võtma vastutuse oma piirkonna arendamise eest, seadma ühiseid eesmärke ja tegema jõupingutusi nende elluviimisel. Maapiirkondade inimesed peavad saama kaasa rääkida kohaliku tasandi otsuste tegemisel. Väärtustame Eesti külaelu arengut ja peame oluliseks siseriiklike regionaalprogrammide jätkumist. Maapiirkonna arendamisel mängib olulist rolli noorte olemasolu, seepärast peame muutma maal elamise ja tegutsemise noortele atraktiivsemaks.

Ühistegevus

Toetame ühistulise tegevuse arendamist. Kuna Eesti põllumajanduse ja toidusektori ettevõtted on võrdluses teiste Euroopa riikidega küllaltki väikesed, on ettevõtetel vaja teha koostööd ning tulla turule ühistulise vormiga, sest ühistegevuse kaudu on tootjad üheskoos tugevamad ja seeläbi ka välisturgudel edukamad.

Estonian economy in the EU context – cooperation and competition

The European Union and economic cooperation

We support Estonia’s active engagement within the European Union, valuing the innovation that ensures a high level of competitiveness in a rapidly changing world. We attach importance to the removal of barriers in the digital single market, including the creation of a single digital customs environment.

Ensuring national competitiveness

Countries are competing for investment and this competition is only intensifying. Estonia needs to use its advantage as a small country – to be flexible and adaptable. We have been able to create the right regulations for a new kind of economy, but at the same time we must not forget the classic economy – manufacturing and transit.

From outsourcer to innovator with maximum added value

We cannot just redistribute wealth, but it is important to increase the total output of the Estonian economy. To do this, we need to move up the production value chain and transform ourselves from a subcontractor into a successful and innovative country with maximum added value.

Overall objectives

Growth results for every family

Growth is not an end in itself, but must reach every family in Estonia. It is the livelihood and well-being of the Estonian people that matters, not the number in the statistics. We consider it very important that the ratio of the minimum wage to the average wage does not fall below 40%. The state must make every effort to reduce inequalities in society. This is the only way to achieve a more cohesive society where everyone feels valued. Estonia’s economic growth must ensure that our standard of living reaches the EU average.

A sustainable Estonia

The development of a social market economy is the cornerstone of the Centre Party’s economic policy. Our aim is to reduce inequalities in society and ensure regional development throughout Estonia.

Partnership between state and business

We are working to make the state a partner for businesses, creating favourable conditions for their development, developing infrastructure, allocating more resources, including for road maintenance and construction, and protecting businesses from unfair competition.

Public economic sector

We will support the maintenance of state-owned enterprises in strategically important sectors which, among other things, must guarantee security of energy supply and energy independence, sustainable rail transport, and so on. The public economic sector must be managed more efficiently and the State must set clearly defined objectives for public enterprises.

Science-based economy

Science-based management and high value-added output

Economic management decisions must be based on research, the results of which must be translated into practice. This is one of the prerequisites for creating high value-added final output and ensuring competitive wages for workers.

Training and qualifications

We attach great importance to increasing the training and qualifications of the workforce in line with the needs of the economy, and see joint action by businesses and the state to set up a regular system of continuing training as an important component of this. Highly skilled and up-skilled workers will allow for greater innovation in the economy, the creation of higher paying jobs and prevent people from moving abroad to work in Estonia.

New jobs and small and medium-sized enterprises

We will actively support the creation of new jobs in cooperation with local authorities. We attach importance to and support the creation of small and medium-sized enterprises in both urban and rural areas.

Efficient use of mineral resources

We will work to transform Estonia from a country exporting raw materials to a country exporting processed products. By valorising Estonia’s mineral resources, we will support the production of products with the highest possible added value from oil shale.

Balancing regional development

To reduce regional disparities, we will direct more investment and development aid to economically weaker regions.

Exploiting EU advantages

We will make the most of the possibilities offered by the EU rules to protect Estonia’s interests.

Fiscal policy

Reform of the tax system

We will prepare for tax reform, with the aim of ensuring social justice, supporting entrepreneurship and strengthening the middle class.

Fulfilling EU obligations

Estonia must fulfil all the tasks and commitments it has undertaken as an EU Member State and make wise use of the tax differentials promised by the EU. Taxes and the budget must play a more active role in ensuring a more harmonious development of society. Our tax structure has been significantly different from the EU average, and this has led to a higher tax burden, especially for the lower paid.

Tax policy objectives

The tax environment must ensure an adequate redistribution of income, provide incentives to work, promote entrepreneurship and ensure an adequate revenue base for local authorities. The aim of the Centre Party’s tax policy is to promote high wages and low prices.

Tax policy measures

We will introduce a classical and European graduated income tax system. We will restore the classic corporate tax and prevent the tax-free export of corporate profits. Change the social tax that discourages entrepreneurship. We will keep the minimum wage and the average old-age pension tax-free.

Regional tax incentives

We will create regional tax incentives, increase the role of municipalities in setting local taxes, and introduce inheritance and property taxes on large assets.

Fighting the black economy

To support fair competition, we will increase the resources of the tax and customs administration to fight the black economy.

Securing funding for education, culture and social sectors

We attach importance to increasing public spending on education, culture and economic and social development.

Transport. Tourism.

Maritime transport

Estonia is a maritime country and an important transit partner. Therefore, the fleet, ports and connections have a special role to play in strengthening our country’s position on the world market and in balancing the balance of payments.

European support programme for shipping

We are launching a support scheme in line with EU regulations to support the development of shipping and boost the competitiveness of the fleet. Bringing Estonian ships under the Estonian flag.

Euro money for transport infrastructure

We will maximise the use of EU support funds for the construction of key roads, railways and other infrastructure and to improve road safety.

Strategic links

Developing and modernising strategic connections is essential for Estonia’s development. We support the development of the Tallinn-Helsinki tunnel and the completion of Rail Baltic. We will upgrade the Tallinn-Tartu, Tallinn-Pärnu and Tallinn-Narva road routes to 2+2. Support the development of transport corridors of national importance in Tallinn.

Local roads

We will increase funding for the maintenance of local roads and prioritise road resurfacing. Ensure high quality and convenient regional connections.

Tackling the risks of car congestion: public transport and light traffic routes.

We will develop a comfortable, environmentally friendly, user-friendly public transport system that meets people’s needs, and establish a nationwide network of easy access routes. We will develop regional public transport and ensure that it is available free of charge, thereby improving people’s access to employment and social and cultural services.

Promoting tourism

We will create the preconditions for more extensive use of Estonia’s tourism potential, including water and nature tourism and conference tourism.

Hariduskorralduse üldpõhimõtted

Kvaliteetne ja kättesaadav haridus on Eesti jätkusuutlikkuse tähtsaim tegur

Haridusel on määrav tähtsus meie väikese riigi rahvusliku identiteedi, kultuuri järjepidevuse ja oma­riikluse tagamisel ja arendamisel. Teaduspõhine tootmine ja innovatsioon ning konkurentsivõimelise majanduse arendamine on võimalikud vaid haritud rahvaga riigis.

Noorte võimete väljaarendamine

Riik vastutab selle eest, et kõikidel andekatel noortel oleks võimalused maksimaalseks enese­teos­tuseks. Noorte võimed, nii nende intellektuaalsed eeldused kui praktilised oskused, on väikese riigi suure­maid rahvuslikke rikkusi ja peavad saama maksimaalselt välja arendatud. Sellest tulenevalt lasub riigil kohus­tus toetada ka andekaid õpilasi kõikides kooliastmetes ning võimaldada nende võimete maksimaalne välja­arenda­mine.

Hariduse pidev kaasajastamine

Meie eesmärgiks on tagada stabiilne ja jätkusuulik hea hariduse andmine Eestis, säilitades selle juures Eesti haridussüsteemi oma­näolisus, otstarbekus ja harmoni­seerimine globaalsete arengutega. Hariduse sisu ja metoodika pidevaks täiustamiseks ja kaasajastamiseks on vaja kriitiliselt hinnata nii Eesti haridus­süsteemi seniseid koge­musi kui parimaid kaas­aegseid algatusi teistes riikides ning lähtuda mitte ainult ühiskonna tänastest vajadustest, vaid tulevaste vajaduste teaduslikest prognoosidest.

Erinevate haridusastmete harmooniline arendamine

Eesti ühiskond vajab jätkusuutlikuks arenguks kõrgetasemelist alusharidust, üldharidust, kutseõpet nii põhi- kui keskhariduse baasil, kvaliteetset kõrgharidust ning rahvusvahelises koostöös viljeldavat teadustööd. Tasuta eestikeelne haridus peab olema kättesaadav kõigis hariduse astmeis.

Õppekavade seotus praktilise elu vajadustega

Õppekava ja ainekavad peavad olema kooskõlas reaalses elus toimuvate arengutega. Oluline on aren­dada nii õpetajate kui õpilaste digipädevusi, informatsiooni kriitilise töötlemise oskusi, meeskonnatöö kogemusi, suulise ja kirjaliku eneseväljenduse ja teisi üldoskusi. Ülikoolide õppetöö peab olema seotud teadustööga ning tudengid kaasa­tud teaduslikku uurimistöösse.

Eesti keele õppimise võimaluste parandamine

Igal eesti keelt mittevaldaval Eestis elaval inimesel peab olema võimalus õppida eesti keelt. Mida laiemad on eesti keele õppi­mise võimalused mujal maailmas, seda jätkusuutlikum on eesti keel.

Hariduse, kasvatustöö, huvihariduse ja noorsootöö sünergia

Noorte õpetamine koolides on harmooniliselt seotud kasvatustööga, huviharidusega, noorsoo- ja sporditööga. Ainult selles koostöös kujunevad igakülgselt haritud ja kultuursed ühiskonna liikmed.

Pedagoogid

Riik peab väärtustama õpetajaid. Selleks peame hoolitsema nende piisava järelkasvu eest, kaasajasta­ma nende ettevalmistust ning tõstma nende töö atraktiivsust. Kõik õppe- ja kasvatustöös osalevad peda­googid (sh alushariduse, üldhariduskoolide, gümnaasiumite ja kutse­koo­lide ja eri­koolide õpeta­jad, treenerid, huvihariduse õpetajad, huvialaringide juhid ning noorsoo­tööta­jad) pea­vad saama oma kvalifikatsioonile ja panusele vastavat väärilist palka.

Erivajadustega lapsed

Erivajadustega ning vähema suutlikkusega õpilased peavad saama vajalikku tuge, et omandada võimete­kohast haridust. Oluline on laste erivajaduste võimalikult varajane märkamine. Tugiteenused (sh psühholoogi, logopeedi, eripedagoogi ja sotsiaalpedagoogi abi) peavad olema kättesaadavad kõigis kooli­astmetes. Peavad säilima ka hariduslike erivajadustega lastele spetsialiseerunud koolid.

Koolikeskkond ja koolivõrgustik

Turvaline ja õppimist soodustav keskkond

Koolikeskkond, sõltumata haridustasemest ja kooli tüübist, peab olema õppimist soodustav ja turva­line, õpetajate ja õpilaste ning õpilaste omavaheline suhtlus peab olema vastastikkusel austusel põhi­nev. Nii õpilased kui õpetajad pea­vad panustama turvalisema ning igaühe jaoks meeldiva keskkonna arendamisse

Kodu ja kooli koostöö, lapsevanemate ja perekonna tugi

Tugevdame koolide koostööd lapsevanematega. Kvaliteetne õppe- ja kasvatustöö on võimalik vaid kodu ja kooli tihedas koostöös.

Ühtluskool ja kodulähedane põhikool

Eesti põhikool on ühtluskool. Põhikoolis tagatakse kõikidele õppijatele võimalus tasuta omandada kva­liteetne põhiharidus oma elukohajärgses koolis. Hea ja kvaliteetne põhiharidus peab olema tagatud ka kes­kustest eemal. Paralleelselt koolivõrguga tuleb arendada laste kunsti- ja muusikakoolide ning teiste huvi­koolide võr­gustikku.

Tasuta koolieine

Koolieine on osa toetavast ja turvalisest õppekeskkonnast. Seetõttu tuleb nii lasteaias, põhikooli, kutsekoolis ja gümnaasiumis tagada tasuta koolitoit kõigile õpilastele.

Kutseharidus

Kutsehariduse tähtsustamine

Kutseõpe ning gümnaasiumiharidus peavad olema võrdselt väärtustatud. Oluline on mõista, et ka kutsehariduses omandatavad erialad nõuavad ajakohaseid ja spetsiifilisi oskusi. Toetame tööandjate, kutsekoolide ja üldhariduskoolide koostööd ja kutsehariduse jätkuõpet.

Üld- ja kutsehariduse koostööst

Kesk- ja kutseharidus peavad olema teineteist toetavad ning sidusad ning iga õppuri individuaalset võimekust toetav ning arvestama nii õpilaste vajadusi kui muutuva töömaailma ootusi. Üld- ja kutse­haridusasutused peavad tegema koostööd, et tagada põhikooliõpilaste võimalused eelkutseõppeks, tagada tugevamat üldainete õpetamist kutsekoolis ning eelkutse omandamise või valikainete võima­lused güm­naasiumi õpilastele.

Noortepoliitika ja huviharidus

Noored meie ühiskonnas

Noorte väärtustamine on Keskerakonna üks keskseid prioriteete. Noortepoliitika peab lähtuma nii noorte hetkevajadustest kui tulevikutrendidest. Selle kujundamisel on lisaks teadmistepõhisusele olu­line noorte enda kaasatus. Noorsootööteenused peavad olema kättesaadavad igale noorele, sõltu­mata tema elukohast, eri­vaja­dusest või sotsiaalmajanduslikust taustast.

Terves kehas terve vaim

Tähtis on toetada noorte tervet elustiili, mis hõlmab endas nii vaimset kui füüsi­list tervist. Ümbritsev keskkond peab soodustama füüsilist aktiivsust. Töötame selle nimel, et lapsed saaksid spordi tegemi­sed vajalikud harjumused terveks eluks kaasa juba lasteaia- ja koolieast.

Kodanikukasvatus

Noortepoliitika peab toetama noorte kasvamist aktiivseteks kodanikeks ning tulevasteks otsustajateks, kes huvituvad ühiskonna protsessidest ning on valmis vastutama ühiskonna arengu eest. Formaalne ja mitteformaalne haridus peavad toetama noorte valmidust osaleda valimistel ja looma eeldused sel­leks, et noored oskaksid kasutada nii oma passiivset kui aktiivset valimisõigust. Toetame ka noorte­ühenduste rahvusvahelist koostööd, aitame edendada noorsoodiplomaatiat.

Kaasotsustamine

Noorte, noorteühenduste ja valitsemisasutuste vaheline koostöö peab põhinema koosvalitsemise printsiibil, mille kohaselt noored osalevad nii otsustamises kui otsuste elluviimises. Noori tuleb kaasata kõikides neid puudutavates küsimustes, mitte ainult haridus- ja noortepoliitika küsimustes.

Tegijat tunnustatakse

Noorte panus ühiskonna arengusse, otsustusprotsessidesse ning noorsootöösse on olulisel kohal, seda peab toetama ja tunnustama. Noorteühenduste tegevust tuleb toetada finantsvahenditega nii pro­jekti­põhiselt kui ka aastatoetuste näol.

Kedagi ei tohi jätta tähelepanuta

Noored, kes ei õpi ega tööta, vajavad tuge, et suunduda tagasi ühiskondlikku ja tööellu. Nii noorte endi kui Eesti riigi huvides tuleb toetada iga noort, et ta leiaks eneseteostuse ja oleks valmis astuma edukasse ise­seisvasse ellu. Selle tagatiseks on läbimõeldud noorsootöö, huvi­haridus ja –tegevus ning tugi­meetmed vähemkindlustatutele.

Erivajaduste arvestamine

Erivajadustega noortele tuleb vajadusel luua alternatiivseid lahen­dusi ning võimaldada neil osa saada noorsootööst võrdväärselt teiste noortega. Tööturu meetmed ja noorsootöö peavad olema kätte­saadavad ja toetama erivajadustega noorte tööellu suundumist ja aktiivset osalemist ühiskonnas.

Huvihariduse mitmekesisus ja sünergia erinevate haridustöö vormidega

Huviharidus- ja tegevus peab olema lastele ja noortele kättesaadav ning valik mitmekesine. Huvi­haridus- ja tegevus ning formaalharidus peavad olema omavahel seotud nii sisuliselt kui vormi­liselt. Formaalhariduses tuleb võtta arvesse õpilase koolivälist tegevust ning osalemist noorsootöös ning siduda seda maksimaalselt õpingutega.

Kõrgharidus

Kõrghariduse kättesaadavus

Eestikeelne kõrgharidus peab olema kvaliteetne ja kättesaadav. Kõrgkooli pääsemise ainsaks eelduseks võib olla inimese akadee­miline suutlikkus.

Üliõpilaste sotsiaalsed garantiid ja õppelaen

Üliõpilastele riiklikult tagatud sotsiaalsete garantiide süsteem peab olema terviklik ning toetama üli­õpilase õpinguid piisavas mahus, lähtudes seejuures üliõpilase reaalelulisest olukorrast. Õppelaen, õppetoetused ning stipendiumid peavad olema lülitatud ühtsesse, läbimõeldud süsteemi.

Doktoranditoetus

Doktoranditoetus peab olema piisavalt suur, et tagada nominaalajaga lõpetamine ning vähendada nende doktorantide hulka, kes töötavad doktorantuuri kõrvalt, tagamaks inimväärne äraelamine.

NOORTE VÕIMETE VÄLJA-ARENDAMISE MAKSIMAALNE TOETAMINE

Kvaliteetse kõrghariduse ja tipptasemel teaduse alustaladeks on akadeemiline vabadus, ekstsellentsus ning osalemine rahvusvahelises kõrgharidus- ja teadustöös.

Stabiilne rahastamine ja korralik palk

Kõrghariduse rahastamine peab olema stabiilne ning võimaldama õppejõude vääriliselt tasus­tada.

Mõistlikud proportsioonid eesti- ja ingliskeelse õppe vahel

Kõrghariduses peavad olema mõistlikud proportsioonid eesti ja ingliskeelsete õppekavade vahel. Sel­leks, et tagada eesti keele kui kultuur- ja teaduskeele areng, peab suurem osa kõrgharidusest toimuma jätkuvalt eesti keeles. Riik peab toetama teadustulemuste publitseerimist ka eesti keeles ning tähtsus­tama eestikeelse oskussõnavara väljaarendamist ja kaasajastamist.

Rahvusvahelistumine

Rahvusvahelistuvas kõrgharidusmaailmas on oluline üliõpilaste ja õppejõudude mobiilsus. Peame vajalikuks vastutustundlikkust Eesti kõrg­hariduse turundamisel ja propageerimisel ning välistudengite vastuvõtmisel.

Välistudengid

Üliõpilasvahetus teiste riikidega rikastab meie kõrghariduspilti, toetab ülikoolide sügavamat rahvusvahelist spetsialiseerumist ning annab Eestis tugevatel erialadel õppetöö läbiviimiseks vajaliku õppurite “kriitilise massi”.

Ühiskonna vajaduste kaitsmine

Mitmetes ühiskonnaelu valdkondades valitseb kriitiline spetsialistide puudus. Näeme vajalikul hulgal spetsialistide ettevalmistamise ja nende ametipüsivuse olulise teena stipendiumite kehtestamist ning sellega kaasnevaid töökohustuse lepinguid.

Õpingute ühitamine kutsetööga

Hariduse omandamine peab olema piisavalt paindlik, et võimaldada ka täiskasvanud õppijal ühil­dada töö ja kõrgharidusõpingud. Sellejuures on oluline roll ka osakoormus- ning kaugõppe võima­lustel. Tunnus­tame koolide ja ülikoolide täiendõppe-alast tööd ning toetame selle laiendamist. Kõrgesti hari­tud spetsialistid vajavad lisaks enese­arendamisele kraadiõppes regulaarset kõrgkoolide põhist kõrgesti kvalifitseeritud täiendõpet.

Teadus ja innovatsioon

Teaduse roll Eesti ühiskonnas

Teadus on vundament, mis tagab meie haridussüsteemi, majanduse, julgeoleku, maaelu, kesk­konna­kaitse ning ühiskonnaelu teiste valdkondade kaasaegse rahvusvahelise taseme ning konkurentsi­võime. Teaduse laiahaardeline roll ühiskonnas peaks kajastuma ka teaduse rahastamises, mis ei tohi piirduda vaid ühe allikaga.

Teaduse rahastamine

Teaduserahastus ei saa põhineda vaid konkurentsipõhisel mudelil. Oluline on, et teaduse baasrahastus võimaldaks tagada teadus- ja arendustegevuse kvaliteedi ning pidada üleval teadustaristut.

Erasektori kaasamine teaduse rahastamisse

Teaduspõhise majanduse osakaalu kasvu tagamiseks on oluline erasektori ja teadusasutuste koostöö suurendamine ja seeläbi rakendusuuringute finantseerimise tõhustamine. Muuhulgas on oluline rakendusdoktorantuuri väärtustamine.

Teadusprojektide rakendusliku väärtuse hindamine

Teadusprojektide rahastamisel tuleb arvesse võtta teadustöö tulemuste rakenduslikkust ning nende olu­lisust seoses sotsiaalsete ja kultuuriliste väljakutsetega. Seejuures peab aga säilima ka baasteaduste rahastuse stabiilsus.

Teadustöö tulemuste kättesaadavus ning populariseerimine

Riiklikult rahastatud teadusuuringute tulemustele peab olema ligipääs ning teadustöö tulemusi tuleb rohkem kajastada ka populaarteaduslikes kanalites.

Doktorikraadiga spetsialistide väärtustamine

Peame väärtustama doktorikraadiga töötajaid nii era- kui avalikus sektoris. Tööandjaid tuleb julgustada värbama just doktorikraadiga töötajaid, et suurendada innovaatilisust ning tõsta otsustamisprotses­side analüütilist taset ja kvaliteeti.

Hariduse, teaduse ja kultuurialane koostöö

Eesti hariduse, teaduse ja kultuurilise arengu oluliseks toeks on Euroopa Liidu võimaluste ära­kasu­tamine ning osalemine erinevates haridus-, teadus-, noorsootöö- ja kultuuriprogrammides. Täht­sus­tame Euroopa Liidu sisest teadus- ja haridusasutuste spetsialiseerumist ning teaduskoostööd ühis­test uurimisprojektidest kuni ühiste uurimisasutuste loomiseni.

Development and protection of the Estonian language

Protection of national culture and the Estonian language

In order to safeguard the survival and development of the Estonian language, we consider it necessary to overcome the fragmentation and disorganisation in the research, teaching, organisation and protection of the Estonian language and to (re)establish a single national institution, the Language Board, with the participation of universities and institutes.

The Estonian language as the foundation of national culture

We will ensure the valorisation and survival of the Estonian language, guarantee state support for research into the development of the Estonian language and the equal status of the Estonian language with the languages of other EU Member States.

Supporting the development of professional higher education

We support the survival and development of professional higher education in Estonia. We consider it important that the state continues to contribute to the development of the Estonian National Opera, the ERSO, the RAM, etc., to the maintenance of professional theatres, as well as to the survival of national film art. We will ensure the continuation of the state support system for culture and support the promotion of Estonian culture in the world at various festivals and events.

Safeguarding the self-fulfilment of cultural actors.

We will support the self-employment of professional musicians, writers and artists by helping to ensure social guarantees. Increase their creative and self-development opportunities to participate in international training and events.

Promotion of popular culture and protection of cultural heritage

Support for popular culture

State-supported programmes must continue to ensure the preservation of Estonia’s folk culture, including the sustainability of our tradition of song and dance festivals. To pass on knowledge, teachers must be trained and support must be provided to those developing folk culture on a daily basis.

Supporting the development of culturally distinctive areas

We support the development of Estonia’s ethnically distinctive localities and the preservation and development of the traditions, language and culture of the communities living there.

Public libraries and their role

We attach great importance to the role of public libraries in society and will create the conditions for modernising their work and creating stronger synergies with other areas of information, cultural and leisure activities.

Folk culture in a modern digital world

We will use modern IT tools to teach and promote folk culture, and give a boost to the digitisation of the history of the Estonian people.

Possibilities to promote the culture of the peoples living in Estonia

We will ensure that all ethnic groups in Estonia have the opportunity to develop their own national culture, with the freedom to integrate into Estonian national culture.

Heritage Protection

We will ensure that heritage protection works effectively to preserve protected sites and that there is adequate state funding for their gradual restoration or conservation in cooperation with local authorities.

Valuing the work of heritage holders

Valuing and recognising the work of cultural heritage collectors and conservators, and strengthening their professional training system.

Physical culture and sport

The importance of physical culture and sport in promoting healthy lifestyles and public health.

With the right policy choices in physical culture and sport development, it is possible not only to achieve the glory and fame of Olympic champions, but also to make savings in health care and significantly improve people’s quality of life.

The need for a development strategy for grassroots and elite sport

Physical education and sport are not just about preparing top athletes, but are an integral part of improving public health. To develop grassroots and elite sport, we will create long-term development programmes with realistic objectives and realistic public funding.

Grants for talented athletes

We will provide support for talented young people to train and for coaches to train them.

Renovation of sports facilities

We will rapidly renovate and expand the network of sports facilities across the country, in partnership with local authorities and, where appropriate, with the private sector.

Valuing amateur athletes

We will complete the system of valuing top athletes so that those who have successfully represented Estonia at world level receive lifetime social guarantees.

Invasport

We will create a national support programme for grassroots sport, which will provide greater opportunities for training and participation in both national and international competitions.

Media policy

Ensuring the credibility of public information

We will ensure that the Estonian state is prepared to fight the spread of misinformation and other misinformation.

Keeping public and commercial information separate.

We will keep paid advertising clearly separated from other public information.

Local government media channels

We support the right of local authorities to inform their residents through the use of newspapers or other media published by the municipality.

Social policy

Primary objective

The primary task of the Estonian state is to ensure the survival of the Estonian people and to guarantee a sense of social security and a dignified life for all Estonian people. The aim of the Estonian Centre Party is to control the economic and social stratification of Estonian society and to prevent poverty.

Joint responsibility of the state and the citizen

Social welfare must be based on the joint responsibility of the state and the people – with the help of the family, the community and the state. The organisation of social welfare must focus on supporting individuals and families to cope in their own environment and, where necessary, on transforming that environment. Everyone in need must be able to find help without compromising their human dignity.

A strong social network, trained professionals

We will invest in the development of a strong social network covering all regions of Estonia, and in improving the quality of social services to reduce social exclusion and the deprivation of Estonia’s people in need. To build a strong social network, we need to prepare (with the support of public scholarships where necessary) sufficient numbers of both lower and higher skilled workers and professionals.

Training qualified social workers

Gradually ensure that social workers’ posts are filled only by professionals with the relevant specialist training, and that their working and pay conditions are brought into line with those of other workers with the same level of training and experience. We will develop a training programme for professionals that takes into account future projections of social risk in our population.

Prevention

In social work, we will focus on the early detection and identification of problems and on information and prevention. This includes information and awareness-raising on alcohol and tobacco consumption, drug addiction and HIV/AIDS, both in at-risk groups and in society as a whole, as well as action against domestic and intimate violence and crime prevention. We support the development of a national support system for people at risk of violence.

Implementation of flexible working arrangements

We will promote the labour market integration and lifelong learning of people with partial work capacity, as well as retraining for the unemployed. Valuing work at all ages. We consider it necessary to develop and widely implement flexible working arrangements (including free time, part-time and part-time) suitable for older people, as well as for people with disabilities, to enable them to participate in the work process.

People with special needs

People with special needs in everyday life

People with special needs must be integrated into everyday life to the greatest possible extent, which in turn requires their needs to be taken into account in all areas of life, including the use of appropriate support persons in the learning and working process, taking account of the needs of people with special needs in the design of urban spaces, public authorities, housing and other facilities, as well as the creation and furnishing of workplaces in businesses and organisations with support for people with special needs.

Services for people with disabilities

The organisation of services and transport to support people with disabilities needs to be improved and extended to provide them with mobility and an adequate range of services to support their daily activities.

Special schools, nursing homes and residential care homes

For those people with special needs who cannot be integrated into mainstream society, we continue to believe that there is a need for a system of special schools, specialised care homes and nursing homes and care hospitals (co-)financed by the state.

Pension policy

Towards EU standards

We will ensure a gradual increase in pensions to a level acceptable in the European Union in order to significantly improve the well-being and livelihoods of older people. The state must find additional resources for an emergency increase in pensions to prevent the older generation from falling into poverty. The average pension in Estonia must be significantly higher than the relative poverty threshold.

Course on health care reform

Overall situation of the health system

A health care system based on competition and profit, which by its very nature does not focus on the interests of the patient or the outcome of treatment, but on increasing the volume of services, is not suitable for Estonia. The profit-oriented health system must be abandoned.

Key bottlenecks

Estonia has a good network of hospitals, well-trained doctors and modern equipment, but lack of funding leads to long waiting lists, exacerbated by the exodus of doctors. As a result, patients often end up with a serious complication or an advanced disease for which treatment costs are high.

Aim of the health care reform

Estonia needs a well-managed healthcare system, shaped not by competition between hospitals, but by the planning of healthcare services according to the needs of the population.

A managed health care network

We will implement a managed and controlled health care network based on needs-based planning and clear accountability. Planning of health services must be based not on financial resources but on rationality and real need.

Components of health care reform

The need for science-based reform

We believe that health care reform should be based on a scientific review and in-depth expertise of the results of the long-standing research and debate. Building on this work to date, we propose the main orientations for reform.

Ambulance, general practitioner, nursing in a new system

We believe that it makes sense to consolidate the ambulance system into a single foundation and the family medicine system into health centres. It is important to increase the share of nursing care, and we will give priority to developing home care in rural areas.

Opportunities for private medicine

Healthcare institutions are owned by foundations and managed by the state or local government. Only companies that are 100% privately owned can operate as companies.

Sources of health care financing

The sources of funding for healthcare are the sickness insurance fund and the state budget, plus co-payments, local authorities and voluntary associations. The funds earmarked for the provision of health services are not used for the expansion of the health infrastructure, but for other purposes (e.g. earmarked public, local authority, private sector).

Pathways to health service cost-effectiveness

In the planning of health services, access to cheaper services (day care, nursing) will be encouraged. Health care institutions must first and foremost become partners rather than competitors. The territorial location of primary health centres will be decided in cooperation with local authorities. When developing nursing care, it is advisable to give priority to the larger nursing units in the region, which can guarantee the same quality of services at regional level.

From health authority to centre of excellence

It is advisable to transform the Health Board into a centre of excellence that manages and controls the network of health care facilities through territorial and volume planning of services. Responsibility for the functioning of the health care network would lie with the National Board of Health, and the distribution of funds would be based on the volume of services approved by the National Board of Health.

Control and supervision

Supervision, in the administrative and quality of service sense, would be carried out by the National Board of Health. Supervision in the financial sense will be carried out by the Health Insurance Fund, with particular attention to the possibility of the health service provider making an unreasonable profit or loss, and taking into account that the purpose of the use of funds is not the added value of the company but the provision of health services.

The result of healthcare reform – more modern, cheaper, more manageable

We will implement a more rational, cheaper, well-planned and clearly managed health care system that meets the country’s level of economic development, meets the requirements of modern medicine and is oriented towards patients’ needs.

Family policy

The family as the foundation of society

Society starts with the family. We support family values and emphasise the importance of the home as the best environment for children to grow up in. We support the roles and responsibilities of both parents in raising children. We emphasise the development of leisure and recreational opportunities for the whole family.

Family allowances

We will continue to invest in the development of a flexible system of child, family and school allowances. We value large families and help to develop their support structures. We advocate linking the payment of family allowances to health checks on children.

FREE NURSERY EDUCATION

We will expand childcare services to enable parents to work and study actively. We are moving towards universal free nursery education.

Support for lone parents

We will develop a system of state maintenance payments to provide child support for single parents who do not receive alimony. We will link this to more effective state assistance in finding and prosecuting those who are shirking their parental responsibilities.

Support person for care leavers

Significantly improve the preparation of young people leaving orphanages and foster care for independent life by ensuring that they have a support person where necessary.

Housing policy

State-guaranteed housing loans for young people

Everyone has the right to housing. We will continue to build municipal housing and social housing across Estonia, and ensure that young families have access to soft loans for housing.

Municipal and social housing

We will promote the construction of municipal housing and social housing through the national rental housing programme across Estonia, supporting all population groups.

Increasing the number of places in shelters

To address the problem of street children and homeless people, we consider it necessary to significantly increase the number and funding of shelters.

Re-socialisation of homeless people

In order to re-socialise homeless people into full members of society, we will develop emergency social assistance and rehabilitation services and create a systematic network of social housing units across Estonia.

Forced tenants

We will implement measures to redress the injustice done to forced tenants during the property reform.

Migration policy

General principles

The Centre Party will work to create an Estonia where no one has to leave because of poverty, where people go to discover the world with excitement but return with joy. Estonia strictly controls borders, but all those who are admitted are guided along the path of integration and citizenship.

Regulating the use of migrant labour

Immigration quotas for Estonia must remain under the demanding scrutiny of Parliament. Estonia’s economy needs migrant workers who work in Estonia on a contract basis, pay their taxes here and return to their home country when their contract expires.

Regulation of temporary migration

We will create a separate entry programme for temporary migration for seasonal workers and to encourage study and research migration.

Wage policy for immigrants

We advocate the principle that, in order to recruit labour from third countries, companies must offer a higher wage than the average wage on the labour market for the sector.

Immediate registration of immigrants

We will implement an effective system of registration, counselling, support, training and monitoring.

Support for the employment of re-migrants

We advocate an economic policy geared towards full employment, with the state assisting those who wish to return to find jobs.

Support for family reunification

We will develop sensible regulation to enable family reunification: we will support the right of all people to be reunited with their spouse and children, while setting strict limits on possible abuse of this principle.

Working with fellow citizens around the world

The Compatriots policy

We value contact with citizens who have emigrated from Estonia and support their possible return to Estonian society. We implement a policy of national compatriots, which helps to involve Estonians living abroad in the promotion of our country and to create preconditions and opportunities for the return of professionals who have left their home country. Using modern information technology tools, we will create a network of professionals working outside Estonia, which will also enable more effective cooperation with the Estonian state and local businesses.

Estonian language and culture abroad

We support the establishment of Estonian cultural and educational associations abroad, also through state budget funds. We also see Estonian embassies as support centres for Estonian citizens living and working abroad. We will continue to support the learning of the Estonian language abroad by our fellow citizens. In order to ensure that every child in Estonia has the opportunity to learn Estonian, regardless of their location, it is necessary to provide e-learning resources for Estonian. We will also support the teaching of Estonian at various general and higher education institutions abroad.