Government cancels funding support for the Garden Helsinki project
The Finnish government has decided to cancel the planned 35 million euro funding support for the Garden Helsinki project. The decision was made on Monday and is related to corruption allegations surrounding the project. The support was originally intended as a conditional decision by the Council of State.
Garden Helsinki is a large-scale project aimed at building a multi-purpose arena and new housing near the center of Helsinki. The project has sparked significant debate due to its size and location. However, the uncertainties that have now emerged have changed the situation from the government's perspective.
The corruption allegations concern the preparation of the project and its related financial activities. Authorities are currently investigating whether the rules were followed in promoting the project. According to the government, the use of public funds requires complete transparency, and funding preparations cannot continue in unclear situations.
The project developers have not yet commented on the decision in detail. It is unclear how the loss of funding will affect the future of the Garden Helsinki project and the progress of the construction plans. Official investigations into the matter will continue in the coming days.