Concerns raised over Hannu Takkula’s appointment as interim regional director of Lapland

Concerns have been raised regarding the appointment of Hannu Takkula as the interim regional director of Lapland, prompting a formal complaint to the Administrative Court of Northern Finland. This has been confirmed by Riitta Savukoski, vice-chair of the Lapland Regional Council. The complaint was filed by Päivi Ekdahl, who is the development director of the Council and also a candidate for the interim position, placing her among the top three candidates.

Takkula took on his role as interim regional director at the beginning of November. His appointment is temporary and will last for the duration of the official director Mika Riipi’s leave of absence, as Riipi has transitioned to a position as a member of parliament earlier this year. Takkula, aged 60, holds a doctorate in education and served as a member of parliament for the Centre Party in Lapland from 1995 to 2004. He was subsequently elected to the European Parliament, representing Finland from 2004 to 2015 and again from 2015 to 2018. For the past six years, Takkula has been a member of the European Court of Auditors.

A total of sixteen candidates vied for the interim director position, with eleven meeting the necessary qualifications. The regional council voted on the appointment, with Takkula receiving 28 out of 49 votes. His opponent, Ekdahl, secured 15 votes, while another candidate, Timo Nousiainen, garnered six. Further updates on the situation are expected.