The Estonian government has confirmed that there will be no earlier restoration of full salary indexation for judges, currently limited due to economic measures. This decision comes amidst concerns expressed by some judges who feel that the cap on salary increases may conflict with constitutional provisions regarding fair compensation. As it stands, judges and ministers are set to receive salary adjustments based on a temporary index, which is 50% lower than the full index used for higher state officials such as members of parliament and the president.

Starting from 2024, the temporary salary index began operating as an austerity measure, with estimates suggesting it will save approximately 21 million euros over four years, or just over 5 million euros annually. The limitation on salary growth for judges, alongside other senior government officials, indicates a broader approach by the government to manage public finances by restricting pay increases across various sectors. This has raised significant debates regarding the implications for the judiciary and public service morale, as well as highlighting ongoing tensions between fiscal responsibility and the need to uphold the independence of the judiciary.

As the economic situation evolves, this policy could have lasting effects on how judges perceive their roles in the larger context of state governance. The government will need to navigate these complexities carefully, as any resultant dissatisfaction could lead to calls for reform or a re-evaluation of how public sector salaries are structured to ensure they align with both economic realities and constitutional protections. In the meantime, judges will continue operating under these new financial constraints until at least 2028, pending any changes in government policy.