Left Alliance nominates Paavo Arhinmäki for mayor in Helsinki mayoral race

The Left Alliance in Helsinki has nominated Paavo Arhinmäki as its candidate for the city’s mayoral race. Currently serving as the assistant mayor for culture and leisure, Arhinmäki has held several prominent positions, including party leader of the Left Alliance, Minister of Culture and Sports, and vice-chair of the Helsinki City Council.

Other candidates in the mayoral contest include Daniel Sazonov, the current assistant mayor from the National Coalition Party, Eveliina Heinäluoma from the Social Democratic Party, and Wille Rydman from the Finns Party. The Greens have yet to select their candidate, but potential contenders include Tuuli Kousa, Shawn Huff, Atte Harjanne, Fatim Diarra, and Otso Kivekäs.

The new mayor of Helsinki will be elected in April during the municipal elections. Traditionally, the position is awarded to the largest party in the newly elected city council, a title that has long been held by the National Coalition Party. The current mayor, Juhana Vartiainen, has announced he will not seek another term.