Over the past few weeks, the Valga Municipality has received a number of appeals regarding anonymous social media posts and comments. In some cases, the content has been unjustifiably associated with Valga Municipality or its employees.
We confirm that Valga Municipality Government and its employees are not involved in the creation, management or content of any anonymous social media pages. The municipality has no control over anonymous pages, accounts and comment boards, and their content does not represent or reflect the views of Valga Municipality.
Valga Municipality condemns all forms of humiliation, mockery, denigration and targeted attacks against people. The municipality also does not consider it acceptable if public events in the municipality are used to highlight initiatives or issues unrelated to the purpose of the event. Expressing opinions that hurt others or incite hatred, both online and at events, undermines people's sense of security and breaks down community trust and cooperation. This kind of communication is not acceptable.
The representatives of the municipality are open to constructive feedback on the municipality's decisions and actions, but personal attacks and denigration are not acceptable. Communicating in a way that undermines people's dignity does not contribute to solving any problem.
We consider it important to remind you that messages published and shared in online communities do not disappear and are not without consequences. Every comment and every sharing affects real people and shapes the public space in which we all live and work. Accountability does not disappear behind anonymity.
In cases where derogatory, misleading or malicious content is disseminated about people, please do not treat it as an official position of Valga Municipality.
Valga Municipality stands for the dignity of its employees, partners and residents and considers respectful and responsible communication to be the basis for the functioning of the community. The municipality does not consider acceptable a way of communication that degrades or divides people.
Valga municipality is home to many different communities and initiatives that bring people together, foster cooperation and strengthen cohesion. We value people who are able and willing to contribute to a common space for discussion in a respectful way. Together, we will keep Valga municipality as a place where there is room for different opinions, but not to be belittled. Respect and caring build a strong community.