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. Maria Miala is a member of the National Coalition Party where she is hoping to win the election in other to effect a change in the society.
1. Please introduce yourself to our readers?
I’m Maria Miala, a 23-year-old university student and I also work in a small Information Technology company. I’m currently running for Helsinki City Council on the National Coalition Party’s list (kok.)
2. Why did you decide to pursue a career in politics?
If you want to make a real change in your community, town or in the world, the best option in my opinion is to go into politics. I’m running for the City Council because I want to do my part in making Helsinki the best city in the world, for everyone.
3. Why did you chose the National Coalition Party above other parties?
Values influence political decisions. National Coalition Party’s values are based in freedom, responsibility, democracy and economic security and those are the same values that I cherish. That’s why I chose the National Coalition Party.
4. What do you cherish most about your community?
There are many things that I cherish in my community but as a foodie I have to point out the restaurant culture. Our restaurant culture has an enormous potential and I think that we have to do everything to help restaurant entrepreneurs in the best possible way. This includes the taxation and making different permits that allow them to operate in peace simpler.
5. 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?
Making sure that every kid and young has a chance to partake in sports regardless of their parents income. And making sure that Helsinki is an attractive city to new entrepreneurs and workers by lowering our municipal tax. Keeping care that our healthcare works and making sure that we build enough houses for people.
7. For some time now, Angolans or Congolese in Finland have not been in the spotlight politically, do you see yourself as the one to change the narrative?
That’s true. But although politically we haven’t been in the spotlight we have had a big spotlight in other industries. For example many of Finland’s artists or comedians have congolese or angolese roots.
8 . Why should we vote for you?
Because I have been in politics since I was 15 and I think that I can really make a change.
9. Any message for the voters from the immigrant background?
Remember to vote.
