Hamina considers public fundraiser to save landmark flagpole but law blocks city-led effort

A proposal to launch a public fundraiser for restoring Hamina’s 100-meter flagpole has emerged, but Finnish law prevents the city from organizing the collection itself, reports Yle.

The iconic flagpole, a local landmark, faces potential dismantling due to safety concerns after its surface coating began cracking and shedding debris. Repairs are estimated to cost €480,000, a sum the city’s budget cannot currently accommodate.

City councilor Markku Ruokonen (Christian Democrats) proposed a municipal-led fundraiser, arguing the flagpole boosts Hamina’s visibility and tourism. “Losing the flag from the cityscape would be a blow to its prestige,” the initiative stated. However, Finland’s Fundraising Act prohibits municipalities from conducting public collections—even small-scale efforts—without a permit, which they cannot obtain.

The law allows only registered nonprofits with a public-benefit purpose to fundraise for municipal projects, provided the city does not control the organization. Hamina’s city board will not pursue the idea further, and no local group has yet stepped forward to lead the effort.

The flagpole’s fate remains undecided. While a committee previously voted to dismantle it, the city board referred the decision back for further discussion in May.