Savonlinna city manager defies ban, insists on returning to work

Savonlinna’s ousted city manager Janne Laine has announced he will return to his post despite the city’s refusal, Yle reports.

An administrative court overturned Laine’s dismissal in April 2025, and the Supreme Administrative Court denied the city’s appeal, leaving the lower court’s ruling in force. However, the city maintains the dismissal stands due to procedural errors in the original decision, not its merits.

Tomi Voutilainen, professor of public law at the University of Eastern Finland, stated that Laine cannot resume duties because the dismissal was voided on procedural grounds, not substance. The city is now preparing a new dismissal process. Laine has said he will appeal any fresh dismissal.

Savonlinna’s current acting city manager is Ding Ma, appointed to the role after Laine’s removal. City board chair Tuukka Suomalainen (Centre Party) confirmed Laine cannot return to work while the matter is under review, adding that a temporary committee is addressing a confidence issue.

Laine, who served as city manager for nearly 20 years, told Yle he had planned to return to work remotely on Wednesday and in person by Monday. After receiving an email from Suomalainen barring his return, Laine’s lawyer advised him not to appear on site. Laine argues Suomalainen lacks the authority to block his return and calls the city’s current administration unlawful.

He insists his dismissal was based on unfounded claims and vows to challenge any new termination, citing procedural and substantive flaws. A temporary committee, established by a 40–3 city council vote, is now handling the new dismissal process.