Mayor of Kotka Esa Sirviö. Photo: Sofia Virtanen / City of Kotka
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The mayor of Kotka, Esa Sirviö, is under investigation for aggravated drunk driving, according to a statement released by the city on Friday. The alleged offence took place during Sirviö’s free time. Details of when and where the incident occurred have not been disclosed.
Sirviö, 59, has been on sick leave since early September due to what the city described as a serious health issue. He was briefly hospitalised but has since returned home and is now in outpatient care.
In a personal note included in the statement, Sirviö linked his condition to long-term exhaustion.
“My illness stems from neglecting my own health, endurance, and recovery, which led to burnout,” he said.
The mayor’s leave is set to continue until 5 October. During his absence, deputy mayor Kristina Lönnfors will serve as acting city manager.
Sirviö has discussed the matter with the city board and group leaders of the municipal council. Officials described the talks as “open and constructive” but declined to reveal details.
City council group leaders will review the case on 17 September, followed by the city board on 18–19 September.
When asked whether Sirviö still enjoys the confidence of city leaders, city board chair Sami Virtanen (Social Democrats) refused to speculate to Kymen Sanomat. “There is a time and place for speculation, but that is not now,” Virtanen told the local media.
Virtanen said councillors had been informed of the case on Friday and stressed that board members should be allowed to form their views without external pressure.
Sirviö has served as Kotka’s mayor since 2016, first under a seven-year fixed-term contract before being appointed to a permanent position in May this year.
His case adds to wider scrutiny of public officials in Finland. If convicted, aggravated drunk driving carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison, though first-time offenders often receive fines or suspended sentences.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
