Last week, the Health Insurance Fund organized summer events at Taagepera Castle Spa.
The event may have cost nearly 100,000 euros. The exact amount will be clarified on Friday.
The Center Party demanded the resignation of Social Minister Karmen Joller. The Prime Minister suggested replacing the head of the Health Insurance Fund, Rain Laane.
Prime Minister Kristen Michal mentioned that he had suggested the same in 2018. The head of the Health Insurance Fund does not seem to take responsibility.
Minister Joller said that there is nothing wrong with organizing summer events. The problem lies in the timing and context. An exclusive party is inappropriate during a healthcare crisis.
Joller added that the use of public funds must be public. Concealment is unacceptable.
The head of the Health Insurance Fund, Rain Laane, was disturbed by the Prime Minister's words. He did not comment publicly.
The leader of the Center Party, Mihhail Kõlvart, found that recalling Laane is correct. However, he thinks that this is not enough.
Kõlvart asked how it is possible to organize a party during a plague in a sector with a funding shortage. He suggested the minister's resignation.
Joller does not intend to resign. The decision was made before she became a minister.
The leader of Eesti 200, Kristina Kallas, said that responsibility lies with the board of the Health Insurance Fund. The public's sense of justice was violated.
The Health Insurance Fund Council's regular meeting is scheduled for August 22. Joller is considering an extraordinary meeting.