"We also demonstrated symbolically to other party-mates that Center members are protected, and this type of behavior cannot happen," said Center MP and chair of the party's branch in the eastern Estonian town, Martin Repinski, according to regional daily Põhjarannik (link in Estonian).

Center's board also expelled council member Arthur Seppern, also involved in the no-confidence motion, which will still be voted on and is intended for Max Kaur, rural municipality elder.

Repinski and Kaur are together heading up efforts to create a new ruling coalition lineup which should leave the current rural municipal government in office, ERR's online news in Estonian reports.

Eleven out of 21 municipal councilors signed the motion – meaning it can go ahead - including some Center members, there is no certainty that it will pass when it is held on Thursday, it is reported.

Local governments and their oppositions in Estonia tend to be organized on a coalition basis, often consisting of both representatives of the major national parties, along with local political groupings.

"Jõhvi − Meie Kodu" ("Jõhvi – Our Home") is an example of the latter, and is led by Nikolai Ossipenko. 

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