Former Museum Director Sues Ministry of Climate; Leadership Competition Halted

Heidi Jõks, who was not re-selected as director of the Estonian Natural History Museum in a July leadership competition, has taken legal action against the Ministry of Climate. Jõks has challenged the competition process, which has drawn public criticism, by filing a lawsuit in administrative court.

The court has responded by issuing a preliminary injunction, temporarily suspending the final decision of the public competition until September 23. This legal protection aims to halt the implementation of the competition's outcome while the case is reviewed.

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Today, the court made a preliminary legal protection decision, and this gives hope that we are moving closer to a compromise that could restore peace within the museum.

Jõks commented on the court's decision, stating, "Today, the court made a preliminary legal protection decision, and this gives hope that we are moving closer to a compromise that could restore peace within the museum." She emphasized that restoring peace is a primary goal. Jõks deferred detailed comments on the lawsuit and the court's ruling to her legal representative, attorney Kadri Härginen.

Despite the legal challenge, Jõks affirmed her commitment to her current role until the end of her contract. Her focus remains on ensuring the opening of the new museum and the completion of exhibitions stay on schedule, while supporting her team and maintaining morale as much as possible under the current circumstances.

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The latter is the most important goal in my eyes. Regarding the complaint and today's court ruling, my representative, lawyer Kadri Härginen, can provide the best comments. I am working until the end of my employment contract with the goal of keeping the opening of the new museum and the completion of exhibitions on schedule and fully supporting my team and maintaining work morale, as much as possible at this time.