Eloisa Regional Council discusses safety threats and budget cuts in South Savo

The Eloisa Regional Council of South Savo held a remote meeting today to discuss cost-saving measures due to a threat directed at the council. Seppo Lokka, the director of security and emergency services for Eloisa, refrained from disclosing specific details about the threat, citing confidentiality, but confirmed that several officials received “intimidating messages.”

“These threats were sent directly to officials via email and phone. The nature of the messages prompted the decision to hold the meeting remotely,” Lokka explained. The regional authority bears responsibility for the safety of its staff and decision-makers. As of now, no criminal report has been filed regarding the threats associated with the council meeting.

Officials within the regional authority have faced various levels of intimidation throughout the current year, with senior officials receiving significant negative feedback and threats concerning their personal safety. One of these threats has led to a police report being filed.

During the remote meeting, council members collectively condemned the intimidating behavior. Discussions centered around a zero-tolerance policy for actions that threaten democracy. Lokka indicated that a key takeaway from the remote meeting was the recommendation to hold future council sessions either in secure locations owned by the regional authority or in venues that have been vetted for safety in advance.

In addition to these critical security discussions, the council addressed an extensive package of proposed budget cuts, primarily affecting operations at Savonlinna Hospital. However, the proposed hospital budget cuts could not be resolved and were returned for further preparation.