Finns Party secures victory amid turmoil in Ähtäri city council

An unusual scene unfolded this week at the Ähtäri city council, where an attempt to dismiss two members from the Finns Party turned into a victory for the party. Juha Nortunen, a member of the city board, and Jarkko Salo, chairman of the audit committee, faced a vote of no confidence tied to issues involving owner governance and the registration of two company names.

During Monday’s council meeting, the city board and audit committee chairmen were removed. However, when the council subsequently elected a new city board, both Nortunen and Salo were nominated again, with Nortunen successfully reclaiming his position. Additionally, Matti Takamäki, who previously represented the National Coalition Party, switched allegiance to the Finns Party during the meeting, thus increasing their representation on the board.

Salo remarked, “When municipal matters are poorly prepared, this is what can happen.” The timeline of events began in August when Salo and Nortunen were asked to resign due to a lack of confidence but refused. A proposal was made for an interim committee which, after five meetings, concluded that the two lacked the necessary trust. Nonetheless, the council’s decision to reelect them indicated otherwise.

The Finns Party gained support from members of the left and the National Coalition Party, as well as some who abstained from voting. The city council voted from two separate lists, with the first list—featuring both Nortunen and Salo—receiving significant support.

Despite the turmoil, Takamäki’s shift to the Finns Party has made it the second-largest party in Ähtäri, marking a notable change in the local political landscape. Meanwhile, the largest party, the Centre Party, faced a perceived challenge to its authority, although council chairman Kauko Kantola downplayed the situation, emphasizing the nature of municipal democracy.