Feb 17 • 22:01 UTC 🇪🇪 Estonia Postimees

Tallinn plans to pay hefty severance bonuses to former leaders

Tallinn's current city authorities are planning to award three-month salary bonuses to members of the previous city government they have sharply criticized.

Tallinn's current city government, which has been outspoken in its criticism of the former administration, is set to grant substantial severance bonuses amounting to three months' salaries to former officials. This decision comes as a surprise given the ongoing tensions between the current leadership and their predecessors, and raises questions about fiscal responsibility and governance practices.

The former mayor, Jevgeni Ossinovski, has been accused of signing a contract for Tallinn Hospital's design right before the elections, a move that is expected to cost the current governing coalition around two million euros. Additionally, he has faced scrutiny for not drafting a new budget strategy, which is seen as a critical oversight. These actions and the subsequent legal issues related to city furniture procurement during his tenure have added to the controversy surrounding the former administration's legacy.

Critics argue that paying out generous severance packages amidst such allegations undermines the efforts of the current government to rectify the supposed mismanagement of the previous administration. The implications of this decision could extend beyond financial costs, affecting public trust in the city leadership and their commitment to accountability and reform. The city may face backlash from residents who perceive these bonuses as unjustifiable in light of the ongoing investigations and controversies highlighting the former leaders' conduct.

📡 Similar Coverage