In a recent commentary for Vikerraadio, Erik Gamzejev addresses the actions and political maneuvers of Mihhail Stalnuhhin, the chairman of the Narva city council. Gamzejev emphasizes that there should not be an equal sign drawn between Stalnuhhin and the broader region of Ida-Virumaa, suggesting that Stalnuhhin's rhetoric, which often opposes the prevailing attitudes of Estonia, is detrimental to both the city of Narva and the region. By building his political capital against the rest of Estonia, Stalnuhhin risks perpetuating a false narrative that represents a minority viewpoint as a majority consensus within the community.

Furthermore, Gamzejev points out Stalnuhhin's recent praise of Russian leader Vladimir Putin, characterizing it as not surprising for those familiar with his past views, including labeling the Estonian government as fascist. This further alienates Stalnuhhin from a celebration of national identity, as he notably does not participate in public events associated with the Estonian independence day. Such actions present Stalnuhhin not merely as a local politician but as one who is more aligned with Russian ideals rather than those reflective of the majority in Estonia.

Lastly, Gamzejev underscores the importance of free speech within Estonia and suggests that while Stalnuhhin utilizes this freedom to express his views, his statements contribute to a damaging legacy for Narva. By fostering discord and misunderstanding, Stalnuhhin's leadership may create divisions within his community, potentially sidelining the contributions and sentiments of residents who hold differing perspectives from his own.