Person in a voting booth. LEHTIKUVA
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The Swedish People’s Party (SFP) in Espoo has announced the formation of a multicultural committee aimed at engaging immigrants and non-native Finnish or Swedish speakers in local and national politics. The initiative, led by Joni AlWindi, seeks to foster dialogue between diverse social groups and encourage greater involvement from individuals with immigrant backgrounds in the democratic process, whether through public debate or standing as candidates in future elections.
Espoo is one of Finland’s most multicultural cities, with approximately 23.6% of its population speaking a language other than Finnish or Swedish as their mother tongue. In 2023, this figure stood at around 67,000 people and is projected to more than double to over 140,000 by 2040.
The multicultural committee aims to address the needs of Espoo’s diverse population by creating a political environment where all voices are heard and valued. By encouraging meaningful participation, the committee seeks to empower residents to influence decisions affecting their lives.
“There is a lack of a solution-oriented approach in Finnish politics regarding integration,” said Joni AlWindi, Chair of the Multicultural Committee. “With this initiative, we aim to clarify SFP’s policy and establish a platform to address integration issues effectively. While our first step involves active participation in the upcoming elections, our long-term goal is to work proactively on integration with a focus on solutions.”
The committee represents a significant move toward a more inclusive democracy in Espoo, recognising the importance of diverse perspectives and the role of integration in political decision-making. By prioritising representation and collaboration, SFP aims to strengthen ties within the community and promote a shared vision for Espoo’s future.
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
