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1.Everyone is entitled to a home and a job- Let’s make Helsinki a city of opportunities for all!

According to the Finnish Housing Financing and Development Agency (Ara), homelessness in Finland is on the rise for the first time in over ten years. This is the result of government policy. The government of Petteri Orpo (kok.) has decided to reduce government-subsidised low-cost housing. This, in combination with a decline in purchasing power, price increases, rising rents and the government’s policy of austerity, has led to an increase in homelessness. Homelessness is concentrated in large cities, with 21% of Finland’s homeless in Helsinki.

Homelessness is a real and challenging experience that I have also had to face on a personal level since my return to Finland; it took me several months to find a place to live, and during this time the uncertainty and anxiety were immense. In Helsinki, homelessness can be tackled through an increase in affordable housing and an improvement in integration services, especially for citizens returning to Finland. It is in everyone’s interest to provide adequate support for building a life. 

In addition to homelessness, unemployment is another major challenge in Helsinki. Reducing unemployment means supporting education and ensuring better working conditions and wages.  

This is what @vasemmisto proposes in his election manifesto:

✅ Everyone must have the right to choose where, how and with whom they live, regardless of income or ability. To achieve this, we need to build homes to rent, share and own in all neighbourhoods and ensure that affordable housing is being built everywhere. 

✅ Municipalities should invest in the expansion of labour market training and self-directed learning with unemployment benefits. 

✅ Municipalities must be able to effectively coordinate employment services, municipal education services and municipal economic policies. It is sensible and humane for municipalities to promote rehabilitating, employing and training unemployed jobseekers.

This is easy to agree with. And this is what I want to promote with your support as a candidate in the local elections.

 #Helsinki #siksiVasemmisto

2. From a young candidate to a young voter 

– we are entitled to a better future!

I am a young student. I have experienced uncertainty in my life, I have sometimes lost my way and I have wondered what the future will bring.

For me, a good life means that everyone has the chance to make good choices in life. I haven’t always had those choices myself – I’ve had to juggle school and work just to have a life and have a hobby. Similarly, there are still young people in Helsinki whose hobbies depend on how much the’re family can afford to spend. In my opinion, this is not part of a welfare society: every young person should have a real chance to have a good study place, a good income and to have hobbies.

The current government is not on the side of the young people and the students at all. Resources have been taken away from basic services and welfare by the cuts made by the Orpo-led government. 

As a result, for example:

❌ Housing subsidies have been cut, while rents continue to rise.

❌ Young people from low-income families are being deprived of recreational opportunities.

❌ Lack of investment in preventative measures has led to increased insecurity in schools.

❌ Social and health services are under-resourced, leaving many people without access to the help they need.

Politicians are failing to listen to the needs of the young and studying. This spring is meant to counteract that.

Helsinki is the home of people from many different backgrounds, and it is this city that unites all of us. That’s why we need to promote that which unites us – and fight against that which excludes. As a young professional, I believe preventive support, quality basic services and non-discriminatory education are the way to community peace and prosperity. What is it that we need?

✅ Anti-racism training for schools, parents and public officials.

✅ More opportunities for young people to spend leisure time – regardless of their economic situation.

✅ Investment in preventative measures so that no youngster is left alone or marginalised.

✅ More resources for social and health services, so that everyone can get the help they need in a timely manner.

You deserve to be heard. You deserve better.

3. A diverse society is rich – Helsinki needs immigration!

Imagine what Helsinki would be like without people with an immigration background or underrepresented groups. Without doctors, nurses, teachers, bus drivers, entrepreneurs, and professionals from diverse backgrounds, what would the city look like? I think it would be a much poorer place to live in.

Immigration has always been a part of human history and is not a new phenomenon. People move from their homes for a variety of reasons, such as work, fleeing war and persecution, family reasons, or climate change. Those wishing to migrate voluntarily to Finland are most often motivated by familial reasons. The second most important reason for moving to Finland is to work, and the third is to study. As a result of migration, our societies have developed in many ways, for example in economic or technological terms.

I remember how my teacher used to tell us about immigrating to Finland: “You must also be aware that for many people in Finland you (people with an immigration background) are a source of life and beauty.” Whenever I hear someone talking negatively about immigration, I remember what my teacher said. They give me the strength to carry on in spite of all the attitudes that exist.

Whatever the reason for moving to Finland, it is in everyone’s interest to ensure that everyone who lives in Finland has the same opportunities to progress in their careers and education, and the right to high-quality basic services, regardless of their background.

The extreme right and many politicians try to pit people against each other to gain power. Especially in the run-up to elections, underrepresented groups and people with an immigration background are blamed and scapegoated for social ills. This is dangerous for all of us and for the peace of our societies.

Helsinki is built on community, and we must not allow it to tear us apart. Because a well-off person with an immigration background will integrate better and faster, Helsinki must invest in the emotional well-being of its new residents.

This spring’s local elections give us the opportunity to influence how Helsinki is run. Decisions will be made anyway. And they will affect all of us. That’s why it’s better to act and help society develop according to your values.

Join me in creating a Helsinki where justice, peace, and dignity are the foundation of our shared future.

YOUR VOICE! GO VOTE!