Lohja city council leaders stand by Räsänen despite drink-driving incident

No party group leader in Lohja’s city council is calling for MP Joona Räsänen (SDP) to resign as chair of the city board following his drink-driving conviction, reports Finnish public broadcaster Yle.

Räsänen’s two-year term as chair, set to run until 2027, has received cross-party support despite the incident. While council leaders condemned drunk driving as a serious error, they did not consider it grounds for dismissal.

SDP council group chair Jarmo Aho stated that participants in a meeting—including party representatives and local labour associations—“strongly agreed” that Räsänen should continue. Aho praised Räsänen’s competence, noting his effective handling of procedures and presentations.

Other parties, including the Greens, the Swedish People’s Party (RKP), and the National Coalition Party, also backed Räsänen’s leadership. Centre Party group leader Päivi Alanne called the incident disappointing but acknowledged Räsänen’s strong performance in the role.

Left Alliance leader Matti Pajuoja described the offence as serious but supported Räsänen’s continuation, while the Finns Party declined to comment. The independent Meidän Lohja group has not yet taken a position.