Paul Alekand: please forgive me

Photo: Teet Malsroos / Õhtuleht

Tallinn Industrial Education Centre headmaster Paul Alekand says it is difficult for him to explain the serial pre-election campaign at the school under his management; even so, he asks everybody to forgive him and is backing out of politics.

You said, at the end of October, that even though you had been running at four elections, at school you held your first campaign. Many people think otherwise.  

I am ready to apologise before all these people. Believe me, I have gotten my whipping but I would like to carry on, at my main job, motivated. These are my last elections, vice chancellor had a conversation with me. I am not so negative a person as you maybe want to make me to be.

You are saying you do not need a seat at city council to advance the school life and you also have no political ambitions. Long lists, dozens of private conversations – that’s hard work. For something you do not need?

That’s a good question. I have tried to be a person somewhat more active, I belong to the engineering industry association board and also sit as board member at Association for the Advancement of Vocational Training in Estonia. Maybe, rather, for that [I did it]. I have not done elections propaganda at school, I have kept that really far from the school here. Yes, maybe for myself personally I have done [it], I have offended and carry moral responsibility, I agree with all of that.

During the years in between, you have been repeatedly told at school that your activities were unbecoming for a school. Why did you not change behaviour?

I am guilty and have admitted that. I apologise before the public.

To whom have you apologised?

First and foremost before the leadership here, at school. I don’t know how to apologise concretely before all who were offended by it. I have not apologised publicly before students.

Have you considered leaving the party in order to avoid further suspicions?

I will pass that [question]. I am not an active party member and never have been.

Decision by ministry to limit itself to a reprimand would mean that, by your excellent job as headmaster, you have a large line of trust-credit, at the ministry.

Yes, I very much hope and try to justify that, in every way.