Helsinki City Council nominates Daniel Sazonov for mayor amid traffic fine disclosure

The Helsinki City Council has unanimously nominated 31-year-old Daniel Sazonov as its candidate for mayor. “Sazonov enjoys strong support both within the council group and the Helsinki Conservatives. He is skilled, active, and capable of collaboration,” stated Maarit Vierunen, vice-chair of the Helsinki Conservatives. Sazonov aims to elevate Helsinki’s ambitions in various fields, particularly in attracting international talent to local businesses. He has played a key role in the city’s budget negotiations during the current council term and currently serves as the deputy mayor responsible for social and health affairs.

However, Sazonov faced scrutiny on the day of his nomination as he admitted to running a red light during Monday morning traffic, resulting in a fine for endangering traffic safety. He noted that there were many pedestrians and cyclists at the time of the incident, stating, “I do not wish to downplay my actions.”

In contrast, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has selected Eveliina Heinäluoma as their mayoral candidate, while Paavo Arhinmäki from the Left Alliance and Fatim Diarra from the Greens have expressed interest in running for the position. Current mayor Juhana Vartiainen from the Conservative Party announced in mid-August that he would not seek re-election.

In Helsinki, the mayor’s position is awarded to the largest party in the municipal elections. The next municipal elections will take place in April 2025.