After an extensive career in Finnish national politics, Mr. Jan Vapaavuori became the Mayor of Helsinki in 2017 after winning the election with a record number of support. He represents the National Coalition Party, center-right moderately liberal movement. As his first task, he set forth a city strategy, laying ground for an ambitious four-year agenda. The strategy champions Helsinki as the “most functional city in the world” with a special focus on sustainable growth, digitalization, global problem solving, creativity and the best possible conditions for happy everyday city life.
Mr. Vapaavuori is Finland’s former Minister of Economic Affairs. As Minister of Housing, he started the Housing First program that resulted in a decrease of long-term homelessness by fifty percent. From 2003 to 2015 Mr. Vapaavuori was a Member of Parliament. During his term as MP, he served as chair of the party’s parliamentary group. He has worked also as Vice President of the European Investment Bank.
