Cartoons

Why do we need a new kind of politics at the municipal level?

We are living in the midst of a global eco-social crisis. Nature is under threat, and socio-economic inequality is rising. This global crisis also has measurable local impacts, and municipal politics cannot continue business as usual. We find ourselves in a situation where the distance between those in power, and those denied a voice is increasing.

The old type of politics, where one side demands more resources, and the other side demands more budget cuts, is no solution to the inequality that is built into the very structure of the system that we currently have.

A system that ignores different minorities, nature, and future generations. We need a new kind of system that is built around increasing well-being for everyone in a fair and just manner. Such a system cannot be built with current politics that focuses on resource management measures. We need a bold type of politics that looks towards the future and puts equality first!

Where instead of empty promises and pointless improvements, we focus on respectfully listening to what people actually need, and finding ways to deliver well-being for the many, and not just the few. And when we say people here, we mean all the people.

So dear friends, let's vote in new and visionary candidates who can serve as a much needed bridge between regular city-dwellers and decision makers in the corridors of power. Candidates, who listen first, listen to the ignored, listen continuously, and discuss openly. So we can build a city that truly works for everyone, where nobody gets left behind. Together!

Ever since I declared that I am running for Helsinki city council for the first time 4 years ago, I have been asked if I am a Helsinki dweller by birth or if I arrived from elsewhere in Finland by train.

To put the record straight, I am an immigrant. I arrived by flight, and this city has been my home for about 10 years now.

Many other candidates like me are running for public office this time. This is only going to increase, as our city gets more international, and people become city-dwellers through many different routes. Hence, I hope we can retire this irrelevant and outdated question about people's origin, and focus on relevant details like the candidate's abilities, boldness and collaboration skills.

In this way we can make municipal politics in Finland inclusive for everyone.

And inclusive politics create an inclusive city. Isn't that what we want?

Friends, followers, fellow city-dwellers,

The campaign's main themes are now published!

1) Equality between city-dwellers

2) Equality between neighbourhoods

3) Equality in access to spaces and services

Let's make our Helsinki friendlier and more equal. Together!

Dear friends, followers, fellow city-dwellers, I am not a Finn. But I live in Finland. And that is completely OK.

Candidates like me are often expected to prove our Finnishness first, before being allowed to express our needs and opinions.

I am running because I want to make my city better and more functional for everyone.

And opinions of internationals like me matter, because Helsinki is home to 12% of Finland's population, but more than one in four people with international background in Finland live here.

A city that works for not just internationals, but also other minorities, is one that works for everyone. And it is my strong belief that no city-dweller must be left behind.

So let's worry less about what flag minorities relate to, and focus more on the work that needs to be done.⠀ ⠀ Towards a friendlier and more equal city.⠀ ⠀ Together!

107 years of independence. Still not free.

Finland is celebrating its independence while at a crucial point in its history.

Things haven't been great for many who live here over the last few years.

To make a difficult situation worse, the state has started going after society.

Critical voices are being silenced.

The welfare state is being weakened.

Genocide is being enabled.

Life for anyone who doesn't fit into outdated norms is being made more difficult.

To make things worse, we lose so much energy proving the existence of inequality in Finnish society.

Oh no! Sounds quite challenging. Is there any hope for Finnish society? Of course! There is always hope!

1) We need to build a society where everyone is not just tolerated, but can thrive

2) We need to stop denying problems, and instead start seeking sustainable solutions

3) We need to come together at all levels and in diverse ways towards a bright future Join us!

Do we have a duck problem? And what could we do about it?

In recent years, it feels like the normalisation of ducks continues without being challenged. "I am not a duck. I am a patriot."

Instead of recognizing their actions, we are trusting the ducks' words. "I am not a duck. I am a member of parliament."

We are at a point where ducks have made it to positions of power. "I am not a duck. I am a minister."

It is a waste of time to expect anything from the spineless worm that is in a leadership position. "I can't do anything, if an adult wants to be a duck."

Oh no! I am just a regular animal. How can I prevent the rise of the ducks?

It is the regular animals that have the best possibilities in this struggle. Because unity is strength.

1) Let's talk about the dangers ducks pose openly and with clear words "The ducks want violence against minorities" "Oh no, I just thought they are fighting for our interests"

3) Let's support those that oppose ducks "No ducks in Helsinki. No ducks anywhere."

2) Let's not give space and legitimacy for their activities, whether it is reading circles in our libraries or marches on our streets

4) Let's remind our decision makers, that supporting ducks is never ok

5) Let's do everything possible to make conditions difficult for ducks to exist "What are you doing?" "We are creating a diverse community garden that is open to everyone"

In this way we can together create a society free of ducks. Disclaimer: Any resemblances to actual events are completely accidental

I don't see the problem! This is just a ball!

I don't see the problem! This is just a wheel!

I don't see the problem! This is just a pipe!

I don't see the problem! This is just some powder!

Oh no! Where did this dangerous canon of colonisation come from?

Well, we built it together with our denial!

Oops! Is there anything we can do?

Of course! There is always hope! 1) Let's listen to experts

Of course! There is always hope! 2) Let's build solidarity

Of course! There is always hope! 3) Let's make our environment inclusive

In this way, we can build a better society together! Remember, no normalisation of racism anywhere!

Walkers' city is.. whose city?

Walkers' city a city with good air quality.

Walkers' city is a comfortable city for errands.

Walkers' city is a nice city for children.

Walkers' city is an environment friendly city.

Walkers' city is a city that promotes health.

Walkers' city is a city of equality.

Walkers' city is a city of vibrant urban life.

Walkers' city is a city for everyone!

8th March is International Women's Day! But shall we still talk about men for a bit?

There are many myths related to Finland! That gender equality exists in Finland is one of these myths, much like the one that suggests polar bears can be found here.

Finland is still one of the most challenging countries in Europe to be a woman. For example, intimate partner violence is still a big problem.

There are large differences in salaries between the genders. And solutions to this problem get further away due to recent law changes about salary increases.

Seen from an intersectional perspective, women belonging to minorities experience even more discrimination.

Racism and islamophobia affect the opportunities available to women belonging to ethnic minorities.

Increasing conservatism puts women belonging to sexual and gender minorities in dangerous situations.

Disabled women experience sexual harassment, for example in transportation services.

Cuts to social support have a negative effect on low-income women and single mothers.

Sounds dismal! Can anything be done about this injustice? Yes, but only if all of us get to work, especially those benefiting from patriarchy, that is men!

What? Can't women and others take care of this themselves? Is it necessary to shift the responsibility to men? Yes! Because if the group benefiting from discrimination is not ready to challenge oppressive structures, there is no point in expecting gender equality to become a reality!

In other words, if we men are not ready to be part of the solution, we unfortunately are giving our silent approval to the problem! Let us men be feminists! Let us do our best to advance gender equality! Happy Women's Day to everyone in equal measure!

Free public transport. Utopian dream? Or reasonable equality initiative?

Prices of public transport tickets have risen. This has had negative effects on city dwellers' lives!

For example, up to 80 % of fines for ticketless travel are sent to external agencies for collection, causing further distress to low income passengers. This way of organizing public transport has little to do with making it more attractive.

The city of Helsinki has environmental goals. Increasing public transport use would help achieve these.

Accessible public transport is also a basic right, especially when local services are being shut down and moved to larger units further away from people's homes.

Public transport is also the undeniable winner when it comes to moving large crowds. In other words, it is a must for enabling amazing culture and sports events.

To sum up, public transport is a friend of the environment, people and city life in general. It is for this reason that we need to work towards supporting it!

But if public transport is that important, why is it still not free? Because we haven't been bold enough!

Alright, let's start changing direction towards free public transport then! But where will be find the money?

Step-by-step, by shifting away from right wing politics that focus on supporting private car use by building for example expensive tunnels and gigantic parking structures.

But if one can just step on to public transport without paying, everyone will start using it! Exactly! A win-win-win situation if there was ever one! And in this way, we can make a better city possible for everyone, and not just a few!