Estonian defence minister to propose dismissing chancellor Kuusk
Estonia's government is set to dismiss the Ministry of Defence's chancellor, Kaimo Kuusk, at its Thursday, September 10 meeting. Minister Hanno Pevkur cited a lack of trust and cooperation as the reason.
Estonia's government is expected to remove Kaimo Kuusk from his post as chancellor of the Ministry of Defence at its regular Thursday, September 10 sitting, according to Estonian broadcaster ERR. Kuusk's last working day in the position will be September 15.
Minister's explanation
Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur, a member of the Reform Party, commenting on the upcoming decision, said that in the leadership of national defence it is unacceptable for a minister and the ministry's top official to lack basic trust and the ability to cooperate with one another.
Pevkur did not offer further details on what prompted the decision or what would follow. ERR noted that the story was still developing and further details could emerge.
In Estonian ministries, the chancellor is the top civil-service position, responsible for the ministry's day-to-day administrative work and implementation of policy, while the minister sets political direction. A breakdown in cooperation between these two roles can affect a ministry's effectiveness, particularly in an area tied to national defence.
