Janne Laine joins Riikka Purra’s team as special adviser

Former Savonlinna city manager Janne Laine began work as a special adviser to Finance Minister Riikka Purra on Friday, Yle reports. His responsibilities include regional policy and local government affairs.

Purra, who leads the Finns Party, said Laine’s leadership experience and work in public decision-making would benefit her team for the remainder of the parliamentary term. She also said she was pleased he had joined the party.

Laine has been at the centre of a dispute over his position in Savonlinna. He was dismissed as city manager in spring 2025, but an administrative court overturned the decision in April. He has not returned to the role; Ding Ma is serving as acting city manager, and the city has restarted the dismissal process.

Laine has also worked as a municipal manager in Honkajoki and Ikaalinen. His previous roles include secretary general of the University of Helsinki and chair of the Satakunta Regional Council board.