The Finnish Municipal elections are to be held on Sunday 13th June, 2021 after being rescheduled due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic which has adverse effects on the economy of many nations. The election was originally scheduled to be held 18th April. The last municipal election was held in 2017 and was won by the National Coalition Party with 20.7 percent share of the votes. This year, more candidates from Immigrant backgrounds will be running for the election as first timers. Diaspora Glitz Magazine was able to interview 10 of the candidates.
- Please introduce yourself to us?
My name’s Georgiana Forsang a Cameroonian by birth, precisely from the Northwest region (Bali -Nyonga ). In Cameroon, I studied law and own a bachelor’s and maitrise certificates with one year of experience as a student lawyer in a well-known law firm in the capital city. Moving into Finland in May 2011, nature pushed me into the warm-hearted profession of nursing and I obtained a diploma as a practical nurse from Stadin Ammattiopisto. With Joy and love, I have been working since 2012 as a practical nurse in Finland and don’t regret it till date. Now I am a master’s student at the prestigious University of Helsinki reading Law.
- What made you go into politics?
I do love the co -values of the welfare state of Finland together with its health care system, which is admired by many around the world. However, the desire to help maintain these values and bring the best out of them triggered my pursuit of a political career.
Photo credit: Hope Valley
- What did you see in Keskusta that made you pitch your tent with the party?
My interest in Keskusta came from the fact that Keskusta is that political party interested and more concerned, with the affairs of those whose voices are rarely heard such as, the elderly people who stay at home and the immigrants. Keskusta being a solution bringer and a finisher, cares about you, me, family, home, nature, and home region. There was just no other political party to charm me when that desire to belong became an emergency in my life.
- What do you cherish most about your community?
My community is adorable, diversity is strength. We are a diverse group of people with different cultural backgrounds, but we are united. Anywhere you find immigrants you find strength. We are ready to do better for we know we are not yet where we are supposed to be. I care about the equal treatment of all regardless of their origin and believes.
- Help us understand the type of leader you will be by describing your two highest priorities for change in your community, in the short and long term?
I am interested in seeing the elderly people, who have worked endlessly for our prestigious country Finland, get the best care and treatment possible. Also, my wish is to see all immigrants acquainted with the laws of our country and, the necessary information required to be integrated and work in Finland. In the short term, this could be achieved through the creation of more information centres around the Vantaa municipality to bring information nearer to the people. Most immigrants in Finland after graduating from great schools travel out and work for other countries. A mechanism must be put in place to see how these scholars could serve the nation rather than flying out. In the long term, our hope is to make Finland as a whole and Vantaa, in particular, a strong and vibrant multicultural community.
- What is your perspective on the best ways to collaborate with other levels of government to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for your community?
Integrating and understanding the community in which you belong is very important in society. It’s all about what you can offer to the community, as you offer you will receive in return. We are blessed in different ways and have different talents. I will encourage many more people to get integrated and together in collaboration with other political leaders our views shall be tabled to the government authorities who are there for the people.
- In recent years, no Cameroonian has been in the spotlight politically, do you see yourself as the one to change the narrative?
There are other Cameroonians in the spotlight politically and I believe we can all make thedifference to be felt at our different levels or municipalities. It’s not about where I come frombut it’s about my belief in the co-values and what I see for the future. There is always a beginning for everything. The struggle is real but change and greatness are certain, we are in this together.
- Any message for the voters from the immigrant background?
I encourage all immigrants who are eligible to carry out their civil rights, by voting. 2021 is the year of change, never give up on your dreams. the future belongs to those who believe in their dreams. Remember great change comes from within and not without.
