I am running for the Finnish parliament.
Who am I?
I am Aliisa Wahlsten, a 26-year-old biology student at University of Turku. I’m concerned about the well-being of people and the world. In addition to my studies, I work 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.
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.
Parliamentary elections 2.4.2023
Parliamentary elections are on 2.4.2023. In these elections we decide who make the decisions for Finland’s 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.
According to the Finnish Constitution sovereign power in Finland belongs to the people, represented by Parliament convened in session. The Finnish Parliament is unicameral and comprises 200 representatives. Members of Parliament are elected every fourth year. The election day is the third Sunday of April in the election year, unless Easter affects this schedule. Every Finnish citizen who has reached the age of 18 not later than on the day of the election is entitled to vote in parliamentary elections. Advance voting is 22.-28.3.2023 in Finland and the election day is Sunday 2nd April 2023.
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 member of the parliament.
Sustainable
economy
We need long-term plans and goals that will withstand time and economic fluctuations. In times of crisis, we need to make sure that every one of us is capable of fuctioning as a part of our society. We need resources for social and health services and education, where the workers of the future grow up. We must be bold and support new innovative ideas, because our strength is our know-how, now and in the future.
Good quality life for the children and youth
Investing in education is an investment in the workers of the future. Every child deserves a happy and safe life. We must support families in challenging situations, improve child protection services and ensure that young adults too have access to support in challenging life situations. Hobbies and free time activities can teach healthy lifestyles and reduce loneliness. Organisations and the third sector need support for their work to arrange hobbies and free time activities.
Well-being and vitality of nature
Our nature is precious, beautiful and full of possibilities. We must take care of it so that it remains so. Finland has magnificent forests and a unique Archipelago Sea, that need protecting to endure through rapid changes. We also have many endangered habitats which threatens to lead to a loss of many species. We need common agreements, incentives and support for the green transition, while caring for people with low-income.
Science and education
We need research and education to have a skilled workforce in the future. Science creates the basis for knowledge. We need both basic research and investment in areas of the future, such as technology. Science will enable us to create future innovations. In order to ensure high-quality education, we need more basic funding for all levels of education so that they can carry out their purpose and tasks, such as education without unnecessary gimmicks. Student care, guidance counselors and psychologists are important adults in school environments and we cannot afford to cut back on the number of these. University students need financial support so that studying without unnecessary financial struggles is possible. Furthermore, we must invest in the employment of young researchers or we will not have top researchers in the future.
Healthy and well-being people
Social and health services must meet our needs at the right time, taking into account life situations and individual needs of people regardless of where they live. Sustainable solutions to the mental health crisis must be found, as the crisis has heavy costs for our society in both health and economy, regardless of age or background of those affected. We need a guarantee of therapy and investment in low-threshold mental health services. It is important to support families in raising their children so that healthy habits of life are learned and become part of the future. Social services should be developed in such a way that special care can be provided when it is needed and preventive services ensure that special care is not burdened too much. The most important thing to remember is that we can’t have functional services without the well-being of the workers.
