Rauma Social Democrats may challenge group leader over conduct claims

Rauma Social Democratic council group leader Kalle Leppikorpi could lose his position after fellow party members accused him of misconduct, Yle reports. Several prominent Social Democrats in the city expect his leadership to be challenged by January at the latest.

Leppikorpi, a member of the Rauma city council, led the city board for eight years until 2025. Some of the allegations against him concern that period. He denies them, calling them slander.

Satakunnan Kansa recently reported that Leppikorpi had been expelled from the Rauma Labour Association, his local party association. Messages about the expulsion that Yle received from Leppikorpi refer to claims that he bullied, insulted and targeted other politicians, and treated women in a derogatory way. A report has also been made to the Social Democratic Party’s harassment contact.

Several Rauma Social Democrats told Yle they believe the alleged conduct has continued for a long time and has weakened the party’s influence and ability to operate. They also criticised Leppikorpi for publicly challenging political decisions made by fellow party members and by Rauma. His pointed columns in Satakunnan Kansa have caused disquiet, the sources said.

Leppikorpi says he has led politics in Rauma and the party’s council group decisively and through discussion. He says he will take the allegations made public to the police. He will continue as group leader unless a decision is made to replace him.

The party is due to elect its council group leadership again in January. Leppikorpi was last chosen as group leader by drawing lots. He says he is prepared to step aside if others want the role, but will continue until then.

In the most recent municipal elections, the Social Democrats received 39.8 per cent of the vote in Rauma. After the election, Leppikorpi lost the city board leadership to fellow party member Heidi Hiljanen in a close vote decided by lot.