Today, I submitted an inquiry to Irina Talviste, the deputy mayor from the Reform Party, regarding suspicions of a corrupt arrangement where one party is granted privileges while others are not. Are all individuals equal before laws and regulations?
Pärnu City Government
Deputy Mayor
Irina Talviste
Inquiry/Request for Information
March 20, 2025
On March 15 of this year, a city resident sent an anonymous tip, questioning whether the regulations established by the city of Pärnu apply to the bar “VOLK”. The tipster asked: “For the past few years, the cultural bar VOLK has been selling alcohol past 4 AM on weekends. Has the city council granted them a special permit?”
Then, someone named Jyri Digiboss intervenes in the email exchange, stating that an intelligent person would immediately recognize that the complaint was made using a fake account… and adds: “It is likely that the allegations in the complaint are also untrue.” He then admits that the owner of the bar ran as a candidate on the Reform Party’s list in the 2021 municipal elections.
At the end of the email, Jyri Digiboss claims to be Jüri Lebedev, the leader of the Reform Party faction, while boldly emphasizing that “there is no need to waste the council members’ time discussing this matter at a council meeting.”
- Is it not the duty of council members to “waste time” by following the law and considering the needs and interests of city residents?
(Local Government Organization Act § 17. Council Member (2) A council member is guided by the law, municipal legal acts, and the needs and interests of municipal residents.) - Is participating in a council meeting considered a waste of time?
- Is Jyri Digiboss a frequent customer of this establishment?
- Is the individual using the pseudonym Jyri Digiboss actually Jüri Lebedev?
- Has the current ruling coalition, led by the Reform Party, created a corrupt situation where some are given privileges over others? Are the restrictions being enforced equally, or has someone been placed in a position of advantage? Please verify whether this claim is true.
- Please provide the results of any studies conducted on trade and business restrictions in Pärnu—how have these regulations affected the financial performance of local businesses and the satisfaction of both tourists and residents?
PS! To avoid persecution, the citizen has decided to use the pseudonym Terrance Andrew Davis, stating:
“Hello, why should I report tips under my real name? Estonia is a small country, and Pärnu is even smaller. The complaint is based on my personal experiences. For the past four weekends, alcohol sales have continued past the permitted hours. This can be proven with bank statements. It can also be easily verified by visiting the location on a Saturday or Sunday morning (between 5:30–6:00 AM).”
- Is it safe to live in Pärnu if a citizen fears retaliation from those in power?
Sincerely,
Edmond Penu
Party of Nationalists and Conservatives
