Akaa council to consider removing audit committee chair over racist posts

Akaa City Board has proposed that the city council establish a temporary committee to prepare the removal of Audit Committee Chair Anton Murola from the committee leadership, Yle reports. Eleven councillors have said they no longer trust Murola, a Finns Party representative, because of racist and insulting social media posts.

The proposed temporary committee would have seven members, each with a deputy. The proposal will be dropped if Murola resigns voluntarily before the council meeting.

During the City Board’s discussion on Tuesday evening, Finns Party representative Heli Einola-Virtanen proposed that the committee should not be established. The motion received no support and therefore lapsed.

Akaa City Council is scheduled to discuss the matter on September 28.

Murola told Yle that he does not intend to resign voluntarily. He said only the council has the power to decide whether he should be removed.

“I have not made mistakes or acted improperly in my role as a councillor or as chair of the Audit Committee. Those who are taking the removal process forward will have to make some effort,” Murola said.

Murola has previously told Yle that his social media activity is unrelated to his role as a councillor. He said he represents only himself on social media, not his council group, party or Akaa.

Under the Local Government Act, a council may remove the chair or deputy chair of the council or an elected body during their term if they no longer enjoy the council’s confidence. A removal decision applies to the entire chair leadership.

The Akaa Finns Party council group has said it supports Murola, arguing that his ability to serve as committee chair has not changed.

Akaa City Manager Antti Peltola said in a statement that the city’s operations are guided by legislation and policies approved by its bodies. “In accordance with these, we treat everyone equally and respect the dignity of every person,” he said.