Martin Helme seeks to remove EKRE deputy mayor of Viljandi from office

EKRE chairman Martin Helme has pressured Viljandi deputy mayor Silvia Takkel, demanding that Urmet Elmas be appointed head of the city's municipal services department. When this did not go as planned, questions have arisen over the deputy mayor's position.

Internal political tension has erupted in Viljandi centred on EKRE chairman Martin Helme and party member deputy mayor Silvia Takkel. Helme approached Takkel with a request that his trusted associate Urmet Elmas be appointed as the new head of the city's municipal services department.

When the deputy mayor did not comply with this wish and her preferred candidate did not secure the post, Takkel's own position is now at risk. According to media reports, EKRE leadership is considering replacing the deputy mayor, which would mean the party is using pressure at the local level to enforce its political will.

The case highlights tensions within party hierarchy and raises the question of the extent to which party leadership can dictate personnel decisions to local governments. Viljandi city council has made no public comment on the situation.