Jan Vapaavuori resigns from lobbying firm amid Garden Helsinki controversy

Former Finnish politician Jan Vapaavuori has resigned from the law and lobbying firm Geradin Partners’ Helsinki office following the Garden Helsinki controversy, the company confirmed on Tuesday.

Vapaavuori stepped down voluntarily because the resulting public backlash prevented him from continuing in his role, according to Mikko Alkio, a partner at Geradin Partners. Alkio stated that Vapaavuori made the decision independently after assessing the situation.

Vapaavuori confirmed his resignation to Helsingin Sanomat via text message. The move comes after the Finnish government decided on Monday not to grant the Garden Helsinki project a €35 million state subsidy. Vapaavuori had reportedly attempted to influence the decision by contacting the prime minister directly.