Finnish MP Juha Viitala announces bid for SDP deputy leadership

Rauma MP Juha Viitala has entered the race for deputy chair of Finland’s Social Democratic Party (SDP), public broadcaster Yle reports. The party’s Rauma Labour Association has nominated Viitala, a first-term parliamentarian, as its candidate for the position ahead of the SDP’s May party congress.

In a statement from the SDP’s parliamentary group, Viitala emphasised his commitment to rebuilding trust in Finland’s labour market and securing the party’s success in future elections. “The balance in working life has been disrupted, and wage earners’ positions have weakened,” he said. “We now need to restore confidence in labour markets and instil belief in the future—for both people and businesses.”

Five candidates are currently vying for the deputy leadership roles, including incumbent deputies Niina Malm and Nasima Razmyar, as well as MPs Pinja Perholehto and Jani Kokko. Deputy chair Matias Mäkynen has announced he will not seek re-election. The SDP will elect its new leadership at the party congress in Tampere from 23 to 25 May.