Espoo prepares for mayoral election as Jukka Mäkelä retires

Espoo, Finland’s second-largest city, is in the process of selecting a new mayor this fall as current mayor Jukka Mäkelä retires. Six candidates have been shortlisted from a pool of applicants who meet the qualifications.

Candidates were asked to identify two key priorities for the city’s leadership in the coming years, with suggested topics including construction, population growth, multiculturalism, and social services. They were also requested to share their main focus in a video format.

Kai Mykkänen emphasizes investing in children and youth. As the Minister of Environment and Climate, he believes that tax revenue should strongly support early childhood education and schools. Notably, he highlights that a third of working-age residents in Espoo will soon come from diverse linguistic backgrounds, stressing the importance of equal opportunities for all residents.

Mervi Katainen, who serves as both the chair of Espoo’s city council and a representative, points out that sustainable growth should be the new mayor’s top priority. She highlights the city’s goal of becoming carbon-neutral by 2030 and the need for Espoo to remain an attractive location for businesses.

Mervi Heinaro, the city’s vitality director, aims to focus on innovation within local companies and helping youth find their first summer jobs. Meanwhile, Erkki Eerola, the mayor of Vihdin, emphasizes sustainable economic practices and monitoring economic developments alongside the recent healthcare reforms.

Tuula Antola, a leader in education, plans to enhance Espoo’s appeal in Northern Europe and proposes utilizing existing city facilities more efficiently. Finally, Leila Lehtinen, CEO of consulting firm Excellence Garden, wants to promote effective governance and transparency in decision-making processes.

Espoo’s population is rapidly growing, making the mayor’s position nationally significant. The current mayor’s salary exceeds that of the Prime Minister, set at over €18,000 monthly. The new mayor will be elected on October 21, and the position will commence in February for a seven-year term.