Narva city council session turns into procedural marathon

A Friday session of the Narva City Council has descended into a prolonged procedural standoff, with deputies from opposing camps declaring their readiness to sit through the night. Opposition bloc "Plan B" leader Urbo Vaarmann has accused council chairman Mikhail Stalnukhin of deliberate delay tactics, including sending away representatives of the Defence Forces who had come to discuss a military base matter.

A session of the Narva City Council on Friday, 27 June 2026, has ground to a near-halt as a series of procedural delays and technical recesses stretch the meeting toward an all-night marathon, with deputies on both sides insisting they will not leave until the agenda is resolved.

Accusations of deliberate stalling

Urbo Vaarmann, leader of the "Plan B. Pulse of Narva" electoral alliance, has levelled sharp criticism at council chairman Mikhail Stalnukhin, accusing him of using delay tactics to cling to power. Most strikingly, Vaarmann alleged that ministry representatives who had travelled to Narva specifically to discuss a Defence Forces military base were turned away during the session.

«He simply sent the ministry representatives home! He told them: 'Sorry, we won't be discussing your questions.' He takes no responsibility whatsoever,» Vaarmann told Rus.ERR.

Deputy council chairwoman Yana Kondrashova disputed this account. She told Rus.ERR that the ministry officials were not ordered to leave, but were given a choice given the session's delay. «Nobody sent them home. Due to the session running long, they were offered the option to either wait or attend to their other business. We told them we could manage on our own if needed, and that they were welcome to return,» Kondrashova said. «It was purely a practical working matter.»

Power and salary at the heart of the dispute

Vaarmann was unambiguous about what he believes motivates Stalnukhin's conduct. «We all understand that this person is acting solely to avoid a vote of no confidence and to secure his salary. The city simply does not interest him, that is the saddest part of this whole story,» the deputy said.

The opposition bloc, which commands 16 votes in the council chamber, has confirmed it is prepared for a round-the-clock session and is simultaneously consulting with ministries and other parties to explore alternative paths forward.

Evening plans no obstacle

Rumours circulating at the session suggested that some deputies from "Plan B" and the Centre Party had flights booked for the evening, potentially undermining the opposition's ability to maintain its majority through the night. Vaarmann acknowledged logistical challenges exist on both sides. «I know the other camp has those problems too. Our people naturally had plans, that goes without saying. But we will sort it out as we go,» he said.

Kondrashova echoed the sentiment on the pro-Stalnukhin side. She admitted that many deputies have personal commitments but said the session's agenda takes precedence. «Our goal is not to sit here indefinitely, everyone wants to go home. But if the agenda requires it, we will keep going. Plans can be changed. If necessary, we will sit until morning,» she said.

As of the latest reports, the Narva City Council session continues in a mode of prolonged pauses with no resolution in sight.