The Chairman of the Helsinki City Board, Jussi Pajunen (Nat. Coalition), has decided to run for the post of Mayor of Helsinki. The present Mayor, Eva-Riitta Siitonen, will retire at the end of May.
The Helsinki City Council is likely to appoint a new person to the seven-year post in April. Pajunen says he appreciates the position and regards it as interesting and demanding.
In practice, Pajunen's announcement settles the selection of a new Mayor for the capital, as based on agreement among the major political parties, the National Coalition Party has the mandate to name Helsinki's new head. The appointment is not likely to be opposed by anyone.
Jussi Pajunen is currently acting as chairman of the board at two of his family's businesses in Helsinki, but he promises to leave both positions if he is elected to City Hall.
Jussi Pajunen has been active in local politics for years, and has been chairing the Helsinki City Board for the last two years.
