Tallinn council elects Madle Lippus as second deputy chair

Tallinn City Council elected Social Democratic Party representative Madle Lippus as its second deputy chair at a Thursday session, ERR reported.

Lippus was the only candidate put forward by the opposition. She received 42 votes, while one council member voted against her.

Tallinn City Council Chair Mihhail Kõlvart said it was positive that the opposition had agreed on a candidate and secured enough support for her election.

“It is important in the council’s leadership that both the coalition and the opposition are represented. I am pleased that the opposition was able to reach an agreement and secure the support needed for its candidate,” Kõlvart said.

Lippus said the result was a step towards a functioning political culture in Tallinn. She noted that reaching the decision had taken nine months, but said the outcome was positive and thanked coalition members for their contribution.

“I thank all council members who decided to support my candidacy. It is encouraging that, although the council represents very different worldviews, it is possible to find common ground and make decisions in the interests of the city’s functioning,” Lippus said.

Tallinn City Council decided on December 2, 2025 to have two deputy chairs. Sven Sester of Isamaa was elected to one of the posts at that time, while the election of a second deputy chair was not held at that session under the council’s statutes.

Elections for the second deputy chair were held on January 22 and April 16, 2026, but neither produced a result because too few council members took part in the votes.

The deputy chair is elected from among council members by secret ballot. A candidate must receive a majority of the council’s full membership, or at least 40 votes, to be elected.