At least six Social Democratic councillors defy party line in Turku tram vote

At least six Social Democratic Party (SDP) councillors in Turku plan to vote against the proposed tram system, defying their party group’s decision to support it, Yle reports. The city council will vote on the €465 million project in mid-May.

The dissenting councillors—Berhan Ahmadi, Eeva-Johanna Eloranta, Jonnamiia Jäppinen, Ville Lintunen, Jaana Saarinen, and Henry Toivari—argue they must remain loyal to their voters, many of whom oppose the tram. A seventh, Timo Nurmio, also leans toward voting against it.

The SDP group narrowly backed the tram in a 9–7 vote on Sunday. However, the rebels now seek a “free vote,” risking disciplinary action. “If I don’t get free hands, I’ll vote against the group decision—for the first time in my 30 years in politics,” Eloranta told Yle via text.

Several councillors cited voter trust as their priority. Lintunen, a long-time opponent, stated: “I can’t flip-flop. I must stay honest with my voters.” Toivari added that his anti-tram stance earned him 500 extra votes in local elections, reinforcing his position.

Others, like Ahmadi, dismissed claims the tram would boost areas like Varissuo or create local jobs, calling such arguments “obfuscation.” Jäppinen and Saarinen said unconvincing reports justified their opposition, while Nurmio, the council’s longest-serving member, called potential sanctions “their problem.”

Group chair Mika Maaskola claimed no formal requests for a free vote had been made, though Lintunen countered that multiple councillors had already signaled their intent. The SDP will address the issue before the May 18 council meeting.

The tram vote is expected to be tight, with the SDP’s stance potentially decisive for the project’s future.