The Tallinn City Council was set to approve the detailed planning for the real estate development at Tallinna Harbour, but the decision was postponed due to opposition activities during the session. The representatives of the opposition stepped back from the decision-making process because of their ownership of shares in Tallinna Sadam, hinting that fellow council member Tiit Terik, who also owns shares in the port, should have recused himself as well. This move raises questions about the integrity of the decision-making process given the potential for conflicts of interest among council members.

On January 27, the Tallinn City Government approved a plan that would facilitate extensive real estate development on land owned by Tallinna Sadam. However, for this planning to take effect, it requires approval from the City Council. During the recent council meeting where this planning was on the agenda, the former Tallinn mayor, Jevgeni Ossinovski, announced his withdrawal from the discussion on the decision due to his awareness of his own financial interest, which could influence the decision under anti-corruption laws. This action by Ossinovski indicates a heightened sensitivity to ethical standards within the council, but it also underscores the complexities involved in planning decisions in a politically charged environment.

The postponement highlights the contentious atmosphere surrounding urban development in Tallinn and exemplifies the implications of shareholder interests on public decision-making. As the City Council navigates these challenges, the need for transparency and accountability in governance remains paramount. The subsequent discussions and eventual decisions will likely influence not only the future of Tallinna Harbour but also set precedents for how similar developments are handled in the future, particularly regarding potential conflicts of interest among those in positions of power.