Committee seeks more time to investigate Savonlinna city manager’s dismissal

A temporary committee preparing the dismissal of Savonlinna City Manager Janne Laine has asked for an extension until September, Yle reports. The work was due to be completed in August.

The committee was appointed by the city council in mid-June after 35 councillors signed an initiative stating that Laine had lost their confidence in his ability to serve as city manager.

Its task is to determine whether Laine has lost that confidence and, if so, what caused it.

The committee said the process coincided with the summer holiday season, which made it more difficult to arrange hearings. Its mandate states that it must have enough time to gather information, hear the parties involved and carry out other necessary measures.

The city council will decide on the extension on Monday, August 24.

Second attempt to dismiss Laine

The Savonlinna city council dismissed Laine in April 2025 on the grounds of a loss of confidence.

According to the temporary committee that investigated the matter, Laine had serious problems working with staff and elected officials. The committee also said that his conduct at advocacy events had damaged Savonlinna’s reputation.

Laine appealed his dismissal to the Eastern Finland Administrative Court. In April, the court overturned the dismissal, ruling that Laine had not been properly heard and that the council had not ensured that the matter was investigated sufficiently and appropriately.

The city was not granted permission to appeal to the Supreme Administrative Court.