Minister meets with local leaders who contested administrative reform
Estonia's new Minister of Public Administration Mihhail Korb (Center) met on Friday with representatives of the 26 municipalities that have contested the administrative reform law in court.
The main purpose of the meeting, which took place at the Jõgeva county government, was to exchange thoughts about the form, spokespeople for the Ministry of Finance said.
"Dialogue is always better than monologue," said Korb. "I understand many of the concerns and arguments of local government representatives. However, it has been agreed that the government will move forward with the administrative reform on the basis of the current law."
According to the new minister, the meeting took place in a constructive atmosphere and several of those present acknowledged the need to carry out the administrative reform despite questioning its principles.
"I'm ready to have another meeting with the representatives of those municipalities after the Supreme Court announces its judgment on the Administrative Reform Act on Dec. 20 in order to discuss together how to find the best solutions in this situation," Korb said, adding that the additional tasks delegated to municipalities as well as financing must be worked through more thoroughly.
The municipalities that have sought to have specific provisions of the Administrative Reform Act declared unconstitutional are Kõpu, Juuru, Tõstamaa, Abja, Emmaste, Illuka, Järvakandi, Kambja, Kullamaa, Kõo, Käina, Leisi, Luunja, Lüganuse, Mäetaguse, Nõo, Pala, Pöide, Pühalepa, Rakke, Tudulinna, Vaivara, Ülenurma, Haaslava and Karksi as well as the town of Loksa.
Editor: Editor: Aili Vahtla
Source: BNS