Election Themes

Cultural Rebellion!

Culture must be a local service accessible to everyone, regardless of residence, wealth, health, disability, age, or origin.

Independent cultural operators in Rovaniemi need better recognition, and the city must ensure they have working spaces, facilities, and sufficient financial support. The diverse cultural scene in Rovaniemi will be strengthened by supporting citizens’ initiatives to create cultural spaces.

Funding for cultural institutions must consider opportunities for smaller productions and guest performances to maintain diversity. Funding should also account for exhibition fees, and ticket pricing must support cultural accessibility. Public institutions should highlight special groups, their cultural and artistic contributions, and ensure facilities are accessible.

Rovaniemi for Everyone!

Urban spaces belong to everyone. By investing in accessibility, ease of movement, and safety for all, we improve life for each of us.

We must focus on accessibility as a whole and create practices that support living in our city. Road and street maintenance, public transport availability, and accessible playgrounds and outdoor areas enhance everyone’s quality of life.

Public spaces should follow safer space guidelines, include gender-neutral restrooms and dressing rooms, and train staff on minority-related issues. Enough new and affordable housing must be built to ensure everyone has a home.

For Other Species Too!

The city is home not only to humans but also to many other species. Their rights must also be safeguarded, whether they are pollinators or our four-legged friends.

Decision-making must consider climate impacts and ensure the preservation of biodiversity. Protected areas and forests are the best ways to care for nature’s diversity. Additionally, traditional biotopes must be restored, ecological corridors created for safe animal movement, and vegetation necessary for pollinators preserved.

A shift towards a plant-based diet is also needed. For animal welfare, it is essential to improve the resources of supervisory veterinarians and keep veterinary services affordable. We must ensure wildlife rescue services and replace fireworks with more ecological and animal-friendly alternatives.

Who is Mari?

Mari Ikonen, 32

Rovaniemi, Lapland

Candidate in regional and municipal elections Left Alliance

Education

Cultural Producer (graduating summer 2025)

Social Worker

Youth and Leisure Instructor

Work Experience

Project Worker, Student and Educational Work, Trade Union JHL

Vocational Instructor, REDU

Youth Instructor, City of Rovaniemi

Positions of Trust

Member of Rovaniemi City Board, from 2023

Member of Rovaniemi Environmental Committee, from 2021 to 2023

Rovaniemi City Council, Deputy Councilor from 2021 to 2022,
Full Councilor from 2022

Member of the Left Alliance Party Board, from 2022

Vice Chair of the Left Youth, from 2020 to 2021

Chair of Lapland Left Youth, from 2019 to 2022

Vice Chair of Left Students, 2018, Board Member for several years

Student Union POKA, Social Policy Representative 2016, Chair of the Board 2017

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