Reform Party leader Kaja Kallas says that the large number of proposed amends opposition parties made to the coalition’s pensions reform bill to be vote on today were needed, given its huge socio-economic impact, and that she and her party intend to fight the bill every step of the way.

“What worries them most is the pension system being dismantled in the way it is,” Kallas said, speaking on ETV politics discussion show “Esimene stuudio” Tuesday night. “The experts have pointed out the flaws; there are [also] the constitutional flaws.

That is why we are fighting it. We are taking every opportunity to prevent this ‘crime’, so to speak, “Kallas added. The bill has been a bone of contention ever since the Isamaa party got its acceptance as part of the coalition deal signed with the larger two parties, Center and the Conservative People’s Party of Estonia (EKRE) in late April.

Criticism mostly revolves around it providing a short-term shock to the economy if large numbers of people withdraw accumulated funds once the option is available, which have to be done in one go rather than in installments, from the second pillar – employee contributions, which had been mandatory for most wage earners since 2010 – followed by problems related to a shrinking pension pot alongside an aging population.

Both the Bank of Estonia and the IMF have noted their concerns, as well as questions about how well thought-through the bill has been in advance of its passing.

Read more @ERR