N.B.! This page is for the 2025 municipal elections which were held 13 April 2025.
Otso who?
I'm a 32-year-old young man from Vasaramäki. I moved to Turku in 2014 to study Finnish language at the University of Turku. I now teach Finnish to adult immigrants in integration training. In my free time I play tabletop role-playing games. I'm active in politics as a member of the board of the Left Alliance of Turku and as chairperson of the Left Alliance of Southern Turku.
Turku has become my beloved hometown, but I also see the city's problems. In urban development, Turku is lagging far behind Helsinki and Tampere. Segregation of residential areas and schools is the highest in Finland. That's why I am running for city council, so that I can promote a more equal, functional and safer city for all – not for the few!
Otso's election themes
Walking and cycling
Traffic planning and traffic culture in Turku is often dangerous, even hostile to cyclists and pedestrians. Turku needs a comprehensive and functional cycle path network. Safety at intersections needs to be improved. Footpaths must also be accessible for wheelchair and rollator users. The urban environment must be pleasant and encourage walking and cycling - muscle-powered mobility is good for both the environment and public health!
Integration
Succesful integration of immigrants helps prevent marginalisation, social exclusion and segregation. The Turku employment region must invest in integration training and reduce waiting times – right now the queue is up to one year! The city can encourage and support Finnish language learning in the workplace and through leisure activities. The city should improve multilingual communication and the use of Easy Finnish in city services - English does not serve all immigrants.
Education
Schools and day-care centres in Turku need sufficient staff and learning support, functioning facilities and appropriate group sizes. Every effort must be made to combat segregation and inequality in schools. Vocational schools must have sufficient on-site teaching to ensure that students graduate with good practical skills. Teachers in Turku are paid less than in other large cities - education professionals must be lifted out of the 'wage pit' immediately!
You can also read about my opinions in Yle's election compass.
Contact me
Send your questions, feedback and hate mail to otso.norblad@outlook.com.