Savonlinna has appointed Ding Ma as its new city manager, starting in March. The municipal council approved his employment contract, which includes notable differences from the previous city manager Janne Laine's contract, particularly regarding provisions for renegotiation based on legislative or administrative changes. This adjustment reflects the city's desire to learn from past mistakes, particularly since Laine's contract was never updated despite changes in municipal law, which led to difficulties in management and compliance.

One of the key improvements in Ding Ma's contract is the inclusion of a six-month probation period and a fixed term of six years, contrasting with Laine's indefinite contract which had no defined work hours and was set to last indefinitely. These changes not only provide a clearer framework for accountability and performance but also establish an ongoing dialogue about the role and responsibilities of the city manager, which was lacking in previous agreements.

The municipal administrator, Roosa Aaltonen, highlighted that the new contract obliges regular assessments through goal-oriented discussions. This proactive approach is aimed at preventing the pitfalls encountered under the former contract, such as the inability to adapt to changing legal and operational contexts, which is crucial for effective city management in the evolving landscape of local governance.