Kittilä council decides convicted leader Timo Kurula can remain in position despite prison sentences

The Kittilä municipal council has decided that convicted municipal leader Timo Kurula will be allowed to remain in his position. Kurula has received two prison sentences related to offenses committed during his time as an elected official and chair of the Kittilä municipal board, during which he represented the Centre Party.

Previously, the municipal board stated that Kurula could continue in his role despite the convictions, officializing the court’s ruling. The board had the option to initiate a vote of no confidence or propose the establishment of a temporary committee, but chose not to. The municipal council followed the board’s recommendation and acknowledged the ruling.

During the council meeting, Esa Ylläsjärvi, a member of the “Fair Kittilä” group, suggested the board should determine what actions the municipality should take in light of the ruling. However, this proposal did not receive support and was dismissed. Kurula recused himself from the meeting while the matter was being discussed.

Inkeri Yritys, also from the “Fair Kittilä” group, stated that Kurula should draw his own conclusions regarding his position. She emphasized the significance of the decision, warning that if it is merely noted, it sets a concerning precedent for municipalities.

At the end of the meeting, following the discussion, Yritys initiated the process to dismiss Kurula due to a lack of confidence. Seven council members, representing the “Fair Kittilä” group, the Greens, and the National Coalition Party, signed the motion for a temporary council to facilitate Kurula’s dismissal.

Kurula declined to comment on the decision. In September, the Supreme Court convicted him for fraud attempts, breach of duty, and abuse of office while he served as chair of the municipal board from 2013 to 2015. He received an 80-day suspended prison sentence. He was previously sentenced to 60 days suspended prison time for misuse of office last year.