Hiiumaa revolts against municipality head
Residents of Hiiu local government, the largest municipality on the island of Hiiumaa, took to the streets to protest against municipality head Georg Linkov, after which the opposition and coalition council members voted to oust Linkov.
Hiiu local government was formed two years ago by the merger of Kõrgessaare municipality (population 1,300) and Kärdla (population 3,500), the largest town on the island, but residents of the former are not happy, saying the local government has become too centralized in favor of Kärdla, and blame IRL's Linkov, ETV reported.
Aleksander Pihlo, one of the protestors, said locals have not been told what is happening and the community of Kõrgessaare feels left out.
The opposition began a vote of no confidence on Thursday, and was surprisingly joined by IRL's coalition partner, electoral coalition Üks Hiiumaa (translated as One Hiiumaa). Üks Hiiumaa members said Linkov had not upheld promises to turn the governing process more democratic.
Linkov said his ruling style was not autocratic, adding that IRL coalition partner's action is betrayal.
Üks Hiiumaa said they are ready to continue in a coalition with IRL, just not with Linkov in charge. Linkov said he does not know what will happen, adding that the talks will be interesting.
Editor: J.M. Laats