A vote for me is a vote for wellbeing, nature, and youth,
for the future.
Who am I?
I am Aliisa Wahlsten, a 28-year-old biology student at University of Turku. I’m concerned about the well-being of people and the world. Currently, I work as a biodiversity expert at Sitowise, where I assist municipalities and companies with nature-related projects. In addition to my studies, I have worked three years as a research assistant at the Biodiversity unit of the University of Turku and as a part of BIODIFUL project, I have knowledge, skills and will to develop our society towards a better future through concrete actions. I am an politician, who develops the activities in my own community with innovative ideas and boldly tackles problems. I am a coach and a godmother who wants to offer every child and youth a happy, equal and unique life.
I’m orginally from Naantali. I spent my childhood and youth actively with synchronized skating and influencing in student communities. After high school, I found my way to the University of Turku, where I study biology, other natural sciences and educational sciences. I have been involved in student policy in the Student Union of the University of Turku (TYY) for the past few years as a member and a chairman of the Board and as the chairman of the Council. In addition to these, my student organisation Synapsi ry and the student theatre HybridSpeksi ry have been important parts of my life during my studies. At the moment, I work as a research assistant at the University of Turku’s Biodiversity Unit, where we create solutions for a more biodiversity respectful society.
I’m the chair of the Greens of Southwest Finland (2024-). In 2022 I was the vicechair of the Children and Youth’s Committee in the Welfare Area of Varsinais-Suomi. And now in 2023 I am the chair of Emergency Response Committee. In the welfare area, it is important to me that we develop our services to better meet our needs while keeping in mind the challenging economic situation.
County and municipal elections 13.4.2025
Elections are on 13.4.2025. In these elections we decide who make the decisions for Turku’s and the regional future for the next four years. I am nominated for this election, because I want to make sure that we make political choices towards a more sustainable world. Investments are now needed for the environment, education, science and for the well-being of the people.
Municipal elections determine who will represent the people in the local council (in Turku). These councils make decisions on various issues such as local schools, public transportation and city planning.
Regional elections decide who will represent the people in the regional councils (Varha). These councils are responsible for managing services such as healthcare, social services and emergency services.
If you want more green spaces, culture, events, sports opportunities, and investment in the everyday lives of children and young people, I am definitely worth your vote. You can check your nearest polling station and voting instructions here.
Every resident who has lived in the municipality for at least 51 days can vote in municipal elections, regardless of nationality, as long as they are 18 years old. Advance voting is 2.-8.4.2025 in Finland and the election day is Sunday 13th April 2025.
Every vote counts, so remember to vote!
Are you able to vote? Check here.
This is what I’m going to invest in as a politician.
Wellbeing from Local Nature
Did you know that just 20 minutes a day in a sandbox enriched with microorganisms from decaying wood can completely alleviate atopic skin? We need local nature to get enough microbes for our health. Local nature refreshes the mind and provides opportunities for hobbies. Additionally, nature in the middle of the city reduces heat, which can be seen, for example, in apartments staying cooler during the summer heat, helping to reduce the strain on healthcare.
Good quality life for the children and youth
Children thrive as well as their environment allows. Therefore, we must support families in challenging situations, invest in teachers and early childhood education professionals, and ensure that even young adults have opportunities to receive support during difficult life situations. The municipality must ensure that every child has access to extracurricular activities and work to eliminate discrimination and bullying in schools. Organizations need support in organizing extracurricular activities.
Efficient Transportation and Construction
One of the best things about Turku is that everything is so close. Turku is a great city for cycling, but it’s not yet perfect. Let’s develop cycling paths to work year-round and take care of the ferry network. We need to improve public transportation to meet the needs of the growing population and make solutions based on expert opinions. Let’s bring rail connections as part of Southwest Finland, as it brings stability, especially for businesses. This is why local train services and trams are the future.
Safe and Reliable Everyday Life
In a safe everyday life, you can trust that help will be available when you need it. Let’s ensure that we have sufficient resources in social services, healthcare, and emergency services. Let’s make Southwest Finland the most attractive employer and prevent the predicted labor shortage by 2030. We must listen to employees, offer flexibility for individual life situations, enable further training, and show appreciation through actions while securing sufficient supervisory resources. In the event of a major disaster or crisis, it is the rescuers who will dig us out of the rubble and help people stay alive. Let’s ensure the operation of our invaluable volunteer fire departments and expand volunteer activities to include social and healthcare services. This helps combat loneliness and increase prevention!
Healthy and well-being people
It is important that everyone has meaningful and fulfilling activities. In Turku, there has been an investment in low-threshold sports services, and this should continue in the future. Let’s add outdoor gyms, jogging paths, dog parks, low-threshold exercise groups, and sports facilities, and ensure that the price of a sports wristband remains affordable. We should offer students rental spaces and services at student-friendly prices. Let’s make sure that Turku remains a great cultural city, where various forms of culture can flourish. I serve as the chairperson of the board of Turku Youth Theatre. We need to ensure that especially young people and seniors have meaningful hobbies that allow them to find like-minded people. Let’s make sure Turku has pleasant places to spend time with loved ones.