There was much dispute at the Narva City Council session. The opposition (Center Party) wanted to change the agenda. They sought to remove 22 items, leaving only 3, one of which was the creation of a military garrison.
Council chairman Mihhail Stalnuhhin disagreed. He took several breaks to discuss the matter. The breaks were long - one lasted 60 minutes, another 59 minutes, and a third 15 minutes.
Stalnuhhin asked the opposition for explanations. He wanted to know why they wished to change the agenda. The opposition provided no explanation. They wanted a vote, as their proposal had majority support in the council.
Stalnuhhin did not allow a vote. He stated that he had the right to decide. This angered the opposition. One councilor began shouting and banging the table, accusing Stalnuhhin of stalling.
Stalnuhhin responded that he was following the law. He reminded that he received the most votes in the elections. The opposition withdrew its proposal. The agenda remained with 25 items.
After this, the opposition submitted a no-confidence motion against Stalnuhhin. A second no-confidence motion was filed against mayor Katri Raik. A third motion targeted the deputy council chairman.
The opposition holds a majority in the council (16 out of 31 members). However, Stalnuhhin did not convene sessions, so the no-confidence motions did not reach a vote.
Starting July 1st, council members will have the right to organize sessions and elect leaders themselves. This may change the situation.