Kommunalval och välfärdsområdesval 2025. Kunta- ja aluevaalit 2025.

Turku Mayor Candidate and a Candidate in the County and Municipal Elections 2025

I am RKP’s candidate for Mayor of Turku and a candidate in the spring 2025 municipal elections in Turku as well as the county elections in Varha area. On this page, you can read about the themes that are close to my heart.

Politics needs decision-makers who know how policies affect people’s everyday lives. I want to ensure that resources are used wisely and that decisions support welfare, education and sustainable development in the long term. Not all candidates have experience in the school world, which can make it difficult to understand the actual consequences of political decisions.

I have many years of experience in the school world, both from practical work and at an administrative level. This gives me a unique perspective in political decision-making – I do not make decisions based solely on theories, but I understand how they affect everyday life in practice.

As the school principal, I have seen how budget decisions, legislation and administrative guidelines affect students, families and school staff. This experience helps me make realistic, responsible and sustainable decisions in my political work.

My decision-making is based on facts and experience. I do not rely solely on reports, but I know which solutions work in practice and which do not. This also means that I can foresee consequences and avoid pitfalls before they arise. I have a deep understanding of the needs of education and welfare and know what resources are required to ensure that children and young people receive the support and teaching they need. This also applies to student care and preventive work, which is crucial for the well-being of students.

For me, education, the well-being of children and young people and a responsible economy are core issues in politics. My decision-making is based on knowledge, experience and understanding of everyday life – that is why I want to be involved in building a better future for us all.

 

The Themes

The Best School — Safety, Knowledge, and Focus

Every child and young person in Turku should have access to high-quality education, where they receive the right support and challenges to succeed. Schools should be safe and inspiring environments where both students and staff thrive.

A calm and focused learning environment is essential. Every student has the right to study without disruption, and teachers must be able to concentrate on their mission. Clear rules and effective support structures are needed to maintain order and security in schools.

To achieve this, we need sufficient resources and well-functioning school buildings. No child or young person should have to study in damp-damaged or temporary facilities. We must prioritize investments in safe and well-maintained learning environments.

We need to focus on solutions, not problems, and build a top-tier education system for the future.

Economy & Business — Responsibility, Growth, and Smart Investments

Turku must have a stable and sustainable economy. We cannot spend more than we earn, and city investments must be well thought out and long-term. It is not sustainable to take on debt to cover operating costs or make investments without clear long-term benefits. We must invest in what truly strengthens the city’s future – education, infrastructure, and well-functioning services.

A strong business sector is key to a growing and prosperous city. Turku must be an attractive place for companies to establish and expand. We must create better conditions for entrepreneurship by reducing bureaucracy, improving municipal services, and fostering a pro-business climate.

We must also ensure that Turku retains its workforce. The city has over 40,000 students, yet too few stay after graduation. We need to create more opportunities for young people to establish themselves here, both in terms of jobs and housing.

Through responsible financial decisions, smart investments, and an attractive city for both residents and businesses, we can build a vibrant future for Turku.

Wellbeing for All Residents — Safety, Quality of Life, and Community

Turku should be a city where people of all ages can live well and lead active, meaningful lives. Children and young people should grow up in a safe environment, have access to good schools, and enjoy opportunities for meaningful free time. Seniors should have the right to a secure and fulfilling life, where they can remain independent for as long as possible and receive necessary support when needed.

Everyone should be able to find a home that suits their life situation. Turku must offer a variety of housing options – from rental apartments to detached houses – so that both families and seniors can continue living in the city at all stages of life.

Meaningful leisure activities and strong youth programs are key to a safe and vibrant Turku. We need to invest in more spaces for young people and ensure that all children and youth have access to hobbies, regardless of their family’s financial situation. At the same time, we must expand cultural, sports, and social activities for seniors. Adult education centers, community organizations, and sports facilities play an essential role in enabling seniors to live an active and social life.

Parents should be able to balance work and family life without worrying about a lack of daycare spots or long service queues. Seniors should feel safe in their communities and have access to quality services, social connections, and a well-functioning public transport system.

By prioritizing the well-being of residents of all ages, we can create a safe, enjoyable, and thriving city for the future.

Wellbeing for Children, Young People, and Families — Early Support, Security, and Confidence in the Future

All children and young people should have a safe upbringing and receive the support they need in time. Student welfare services must function properly, and the collaboration between schools, social services, and healthcare should be strengthened. No one should have to wait too long for help.

To achieve this, we need more school counselors, psychologists, and psychiatric nurses. Student welfare must operate smoothly and equally across the entire region, with strong cooperation between schools and welfare professionals.

What matters most is that services work, not who provides them. By utilizing both public and private providers, we can reduce waiting times and ensure that all children and young people receive the care and support they need — on equal terms throughout the well-being services county.

By investing in children and young people, we are building a strong and prosperous future.

Safe and Dignified Elderly Care — Health, Care, and the Right to Quality Services

All elderly people have the right to a safe and dignified life, whether they live at home or in a care facility. We must ensure that older individuals receive the healthcare, rehabilitation, and support they need to live an active and independent life for as long as possible.

Home care must function well, and there must be enough care places available. At the same time, we need to develop housing services and create more alternatives between independent living and institutional care. There should be a seamless care pathway, where elderly individuals can easily access the help they need — both in primary care and specialized healthcare.

To make this possible, we must also take care of the staff. Working conditions must be improved so that more professionals remain in the field and more people choose to pursue careers in healthcare.

What matters most is that services work, not who provides them. By utilizing both public and private providers, we can reduce waiting times and ensure that everyone receives the care and support they need — on equal terms throughout the well-being services county.

Elderly care must be safe, high-quality, and accessible — always in one’s native language.