Ruuda confirmed that Kuusik isn't due any financial compensation for finding himself forced to leave office in the face of a criminal investigation for alleged incidents of domestic violence.

This, though, is as far as any official statement has gone so far: Ruuda didn't offer any explanation for the decision.

As ERR's Estonian online news reported earlier this week, Kuusik may be entitled to around €31,000 compensation, in line with Estonian law.

§ 35 (1) of the Government of the Republic Act 1995 provides for compensation for anyone dismissed from office, stating that:

"A member of the Government of the Republic who is released from office due to the resignation of the Government, the expression of no confidence in a minister or on the proposal of the Prime Minister has the right to receive compensation to the extent of six months' salary."

Since the minister's monthly wage amounts to €5,243.06, a six-month pay packet would come to €31,458.36, to be precise.

This compensation is not applicable if the individual is subsequently appointed a member of the same government, or a successive administration (in the case of an entire government resigning), or in the case of a conviction, or if the individual returns to the Riigikogu.

As Kuusik was elected a member of the Riigikogu in the March 3 general election, a reason for the decision not to pay him any sort of compensation could be that he has decided to rejoin parliament.