Savonlinna city council seeks Supreme Administrative Court review of former city manager’s dismissal

The city board of Savonlinna has decided to apply for leave to appeal to Finland’s Supreme Administrative Court in the case of former city manager Janne Laine’s dismissal, public broadcaster Yle reports.

The move follows a ruling by the Eastern Finland Administrative Court, which overturned the city council’s decision to terminate Laine’s employment. The city board now argues that the lower court’s reasoning contains incorrect legal conclusions.

Markus Hämäläinen, Savonlinna’s administrative director, has been authorised to draft the appeal. The city council originally voted to dismiss Laine in April 2025, but Laine contested the decision, leading to the administrative court’s reversal.

Laine’s dismissal was linked to controversies including high travel expenses and a video recorded in June 2025. Ding Ma currently serves as acting city manager, having taken office in early March.