Turku’s largest city council group backs tram project after close vote

Turku’s Social Democratic Party (SDP) group, the largest in the city council, has voted in favour of building a tram network in the city, Yle reports. The decision was made on Sunday in a tight 9–7 vote.

Group chair Mika Maaskola called the SDP’s stance significant for the project’s future, noting the party holds the most seats in Turku. However, the vote does not guarantee unanimous support in the final council decision, as some members—including Ville Lintunen and Henry Toivari—have previously stated they will oppose the tram despite the group’s position.

The city council will vote on the tram project on 18 May. Maaskola said no SDP members have yet requested exemption from the group decision, though he expects at least two will do so before the vote. The outcome remains uncertain, as other council groups are divided on the issue. The Green League has already declared its support.

Maaskola acknowledged the decision could be tight, comparing it to past close votes like the Toriparkki project, which passed by a single vote. He confirmed that the council will not defer the decision.