
Helsinki should be a proper city.
For me that means public transport that works. Housing costs we can afford. Healthcare and social services when we need them. But most of all it means that Helsinki should be a city that feels like a home. Place that offers opportunities for work and study, and that is fun to spend time in.
A proper city has a vibrant culture where we all blend in. It is a cosmopolitan place that doesn’t ask where you are from but where you want to go. Each city have their unique characteristics and vibe, but every proper city welcomes everyone.
I think that Helsinki is on it’s way to be the first really international, proper city in Finland, but we’re not there yet – and our current government is definitely not helping!
What should be done in Helsinki?
- Invest in our schools and early education. Our new generations in this city are the most multilingual and -cultural Finland has ever seen. To give all students equal opportunity and tackle growing segregation, we need more resources, more teaching staff and more support for our current staff.
- Improve our employment services. Starting in 2025, city and town governments are in charge of employment services in their region. We must focus our efforts in preventing youth unemployment and promoting employment of people who have a limited access to labour market (eg. people with other first language than finnish/swedish, people with medical conditions).
- Reform our public transport. HSL fares are already too high and the current policies are driving them up at the same rate with investments. Public transport investment should be regarded as infrastructure. With better HSL service we could have more passengers and more profit with same or lower fares.
- Be proudly cosmopolitan. That means, should it come to promoting vibrant culture, protecting human rights, welcoming aspiring people from other countries or accepting different cultures and identities, Helsinki should stand up. When the national government takes Finland towards wrong direction, her capital city should show the right path.
Should you choose to vote me, I will stand up for these things. Let’s make Helsinki a proper city – together.
If you have any questions or want to participate in my campaign, you’re welcome to ask more: eetu@eetukinnunen.fi