Janek Mäggi: The More Money, the More Influence You Have!

The exclusion of Mihhail Stalnuhhin and Katri Raik leaves one scratching their head – their tango outshines Läänemets’s disco in Kuremäe by hundreds of times.

When reviewing the list of Estonia’s most influential people, my first impression was that it resembled Äripäev's rich list. The sheer number of entrepreneurs included in the ranking is commendable, as the creators clearly recognize that the people making the most impactful decisions in society are those who have money or control it.

It is therefore logical that Prime Minister Kristen Michal tops the list – he oversees vast amounts of money that influence the lives of every Estonian. Kristen Michal is currently the most reputable politician in Estonia from the perspective of influence. Together with his coalition partners, he makes decisions that no one likes. And yet, there are no tractors, cows, or pigs let loose on city streets or Freedom Square. He has managed to mesmerize society in a way that recalls Lenin’s words: “The capitalist will sell you the rope with which to hang him.”

Many politicians and top officials bask in the glory of being included: “My name is there, and ranked so high!” Yet, Minister of the Interior Lauri Läänemets should be on the same level as the nuns of Kuremäe Monastery—or even behind them—since they would rather be crucified on the spot than submit to the confident yet condescending threats of the minister.

At the lower end of the list are people whose influence stems more from attention than their ability to bring about change—perhaps in shaping attitudes. The exclusion of Mihhail Stalnuhhin and Katri Raik is a blow to the credibility of the ranking, as their combined impact easily outshines Läänemets’s disco by hundreds of times.

The undervaluation of religious leaders is glaring: not a single one made the top 100. Perhaps this is because the church has remained in prayer, and while non-combatant defense experts credit peace to their own efforts, it is truly by God’s grace, not human endeavor.

Cultural figures and athletes made the list more out of an obligation to cover all fields. Despite putting the pedal to the metal, athletes didn’t bring home Olympic medals. The underfunding of Estonian sports will likely persist in the coming years, though I believe my favorite athlete, Jürgen Ligi, will ensure that sports remain valued in the state budget.

However, influential people are not just those who gain media attention. Where are the doctors (although the Physician of the Year, Le Vallikivi, was tokenistically included) or hospital directors, writers, and artists? You don’t always have to be a public figure whose every utterance, outburst, or scandal generates clicks to significantly influence the lives of Estonians.

Once again, the list is unfortunately too reflective of positive changes—a Hall of Fame. It includes too few people who incite anger, rage, or turmoil. Aivo Peterson is there, but beyond him, no one from among those currently imprisoned appears. Not to mention murderers, criminals, or drug dealers, who have had a profoundly negative impact on Estonian lives. Let us not forget that Time magazine’s "Person of the Year" has included figures like Adolf Hitler (1938), Joseph Stalin (1938 and 1942), and Deng Xiaoping (1978 and 1985).

The list lacks individuals involved in heated conflicts. No judges are featured, and only one sworn attorney, who handles the most high-profile cases.

The biggest flaw of this year’s ranking is its predictability. It is too neat, too calculated, with nothing surprising. Overemphasis is placed on politicians and officials whose influence lies in their positions rather than in any extraordinary accomplishments.

Conclusion: Estonia lives a dull life; its influential people are ordinary and proper individuals satisfied with the status quo. There was perhaps one rapping revolutionary among the entrepreneurs, but that was it—stagnation, nothing more.