Opposition deputies in Kohtla-Järve have started coalition negotiations in the wake of a corruption scandal which engulfed the majority of leading city government figures and coalition councilors in the eastern Estonian city. So far, the potential new coalition has 10 people assembled out of a required 13, while the opposition has tabled no fewer than six motions of no-confidence.
Two Kohtla-Järve deputy mayors suspected of corruption have refused requests from Mayor Toomas Nael to resign by a deadline which had been set for this Tuesday. The opposition in Kohtla-Järve is now planning to dismiss the entire city administration.
Mayor of the Ida-Viru County town of Kohtla-Järve, Toomas Nael (Ühtne Jõhvi electoral list), is seeking the resignation of two deputy mayors embroiled in a corruption scandal which came to light in the city and its environs last week.
Allegations of corruption leveled against the city leaders of Kohtla-Järve could end with a change of power in the eastern Estonian city. The three political factions represented in the local council want the city government to resign in order for them to form a new power coalition.
A local entrepreneur and several Kohtla-Järve council members and officials were arrested on corruption charges on Tuesday, the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) announced. The charges are related to the giving and receiving of bribes and influence peddling.