Page 11 - GLNG Week 40 2022

GLNG EUROPE GLNG

Estonian opposition files no-

confidence motion in minister

over LNG vessel saga

TERMINALS ESTONIA’S opposition Centre Party MPs have and maliciously misled and kept Estonia in the
signed a motion of no-confidence in Minister of dark,” the statement added.
Economic Affairs and Communications Riina The Centre Party says that government
Sikkut, representing the Social Democrats, ministers must perform their duties honestly,
claiming that she did not sufficiently stand up transparently, in the interest of the state and in
for the interests of the Estonian state in rela- accordance with the laws of the Republic of Esto-
tion to a Floating Regassification Storage Unit nia, while “deliberately” misleading the public is
(FRSU) vessel which is sailing to Finland rather inappropriate for a minister, in addition to Sik-
than Estonia and will supply both countries with kut’s failure to protect Estonia’s interests, ensure
their Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) needs over its energy security and maintain its international
the winter, ERR.ee, an Estonian news website, reputation, the party’s MPs say.
reported on October 13. “Riina Sikkut is not suitable for the minister
The motion reads: “The Minister of Economy of economy and infrastructure of the Republic of
and Communications of the Republic of Estonia, Estonia,” the statement concludes.
Riina Sikkut, has lost trust as a minister because MPs from the other opposition party, the
she has acted covertly and maliciously relating Conservative People’s Party of Estonia (EKRE),
to the bringing of an LNG vessel to the port of have also called for Sikkut’s resignation over the
Paldiski, and in ensuring the security of supply matter.
of LNG to Estonia.” The plans for the obtaining of an LNG FRSU
As a result of Sikkut’s actions, there has been vessel and the construction of the berth at Pald-
a conscious waste of taxpayers’ money and iski needed to bring LNG from ship to shore and
deliberate misleading of business, the statement to re-gassify it for supply to consumers, were put
states. in place prior to Sikkut being appointed to the
“Taking into account the known circum- post.
stances, the expenses incurred in creating nec- She has also proposed Estonia procuring its
essary capacity must definitely be compensated own FRSU vessel for mooring off Paldiski, ERR.
to the companies. Minister Sikkut has knowingly ee reported.™

Week 41 14•October•2022 www. NEWSBASE .com P11