The Tallinn City Council decided to award this year's Tallinn coat of arms to Taavet Hinrikus. Hinrikus primarily lives in the UK and is an entrepreneur. He has donated over 150,000 euros to three political parties in the last two years.
Hinrikus is a co-founder of the money transfer service Wise. His net worth is 1.2 billion dollars, as reported by Forbes magazine. Hinrikus has supported the Social Democrats with 35,000 euros, the Eesti 200 party with 73,021 euros, and the Reform Party with 45,000 euros. The Isamaa party received 3,021 euros from him four years ago.
Deputy Mayor Madle Lippus said that Hinrikus received the award for his contribution to the city's development. Mayor Jevgeni Ossinovski explained why Hinrikus received the coat of arms award. There are three reasons. Firstly, Hinrikus has increased Tallinn's reputation as an innovative city. His entrepreneurial projects have contributed to this. Secondly, Hinrikus supports social enterprises and community initiatives. Thirdly, Hinrikus invests in quality urban space.
The Vice President of the Tallinn City Council, Monika Haukanõmm, said that awarding the coat of arms to Hinrikus raises questions. Usually, the coat of arms is awarded to people who have made long-term contributions. Hinrikus is relatively young and has not yet completed his life's work.