My name is Ira Vainikainen,

and I’m a second term Municipal Council member from Jyväskylä, representing the Left Alliance party. I am also a member in Central Finland County Council and a board member in the Regional Council of Central Finland.

I currently work as a Doctoral Researcher in University of Jyväskylä. My educational background is a Masters Degree in Social and Public Policy from JYU. In my dissertation I am investigating what is the role of household debt in overconsumption and production in affluent societies, and whether debt-driven consumption can be continued when welfare states strive for a transition towards sustainability.

I work towards a Jyväskylä that offers an easy day-to-day life for everyone. This means affordable housing, good public transport and reachable services for all. The city needs to work harder to decrease inequalities between its citizens. Climate and biodiversity need to be considered in all decision making.

The health and wellbeing services in Central Finland need to be affordable and available in a timely manner. Citizens’ trust in public health services has diminished, and that trust must be restored. Health inequalities due to differences in wealth and insurance are unacceptable.

As an advocate and a local politician I make arguments with expertise and don’t shy away from difficult discussions.