OTTO JÄMSÉN for Helsinki City Council

While the most recent US Elections were held last November, 2024, here in Finland we are in the throes of campaign season. One reason I’ve not posted lately is that my husband—Otto Jämsén—is running for Helsinki City Council for the Social Democrat Party (SDP). I’m his campaign manager.

I’ve known Otto for over 21 years, almost as long as we’ve been married, and have witnessed firsthand his passion for politics and steadfast experience in working for a just, fair society as a civil servant of 40 years. I may be biased in my support (Go, Candidate 865!), but I thought an interview with him would shed light on interesting aspects of his history and some dramatic events that shaped him as a person and candidate. These include surviving a near-fatal car accident and two major illnesses, and the influence of a childhood political hero.

Note: While there is a lot to discuss internationally, our conversation focuses on the needs and concerns of Helsinki residents and Finnish citizens.

L: Good morning, Otto, and thank you for sitting down to answer some questions. I know it’s not easy to share these details in English when Finnish is your mother tongue.

O: Well, my campaign manager insisted (smile). I’ll do my best.

L: Okay, let’s start. When were you first interested in politics?

O: When I was born in Helsinki in 1955, my father, Artturi Jämsén, had been elected to the Finnish Parliament the year before. At age 29, he was the youngest MP from the Maalaisliitto, or Countryside Union Party. Politics was a big part of my childhood because of him. I remember he was on the phone a lot with his constituents where we lived in Pihtipudas, listening to their concerns, which he then brought to Helsinki to find solutions. His goal was to improve their circumstances by helping their farming businesses, creating jobs, and providing better access to health care and education. Issues that are still priorities today. He was a very good listener and an even better speaker. (Photo below: Otto, center, with parents and five siblings)

L. Do you remember other politicians visiting your home?

O: Yes, my father often had visitors from his party and also leaders from others. As you know, in Finland we have about ten parties, unlike in America, where you have two main ones, Democrats and Republicans.

L: How do you think having multiple parties affects the political landscape here?

O: There is a very strong need for close communication and compromise in decision-marking. It’s not possible for one party to dominate since no party receives a majority of votes. The party with the most votes wins and must form a government, often with another that has a platform quite different from its own. The other parties are then in the opposition.

L. You are running as a candidate for the SDP, which is part of the opposition.

O: Hopefully, not for long! The most recent polls show SDP ahead by about 2%. However, we need to ensure a big turnout to make this into a reality.

L. Where there political influences other than your father?

O. As a teenager, I was a big fan of Robert F. Kennedy. My younger brother, Heikki, was, too. In the mornings, we would turn on the radio in our room and listen to the updates from America on his presidential campaign. Then, on that fateful day, June 5, 1968, we were shocked when the reporter, Pasi Rutanen, announced that our hero had been shot. We were devastated when he died the next day.

L. What was it about RFK that you admired?

O: His deep passion for helping others, especially minorities and the poor. He had strong opinions and good plans to create better health care and education systems. His priority was a more secure, just, and fair society for everyone. My father was also a compassionate person and shared many of these qualities. Maybe that’s why I was drawn to RFK.

L: Given your interest in politics as a youth, why did you not then pursue a political career?

O: My father’s will was that I become a Lutheran minister, but I was much too shy. However, I continue to be involved in the church in other ways. My decision to study law was a purely practical one, as there were job opportunities, and I needed to work. After graduating from Helsinki University, I worked as a prosecutor, and sometimes my job description also included police chief and nimismies (photo below, center, with Pihtipudas staff). In my 40-year career, I was able to help in a different way by serving and making sure justice was served.

L: Now that you are retired, which of your cases stands out most in your mind?

Perhaps my most satisfying case involved combating the grey economy. In addition to my work as an economic prosecutor, I was an occupational safety and health officer at the Helsinki Prosecutor’s Office for 15 years. At some point, our office began to be flooded with cases of receipt-based trading related to the construction industry. Companies with a short life cycle registered as VAT (Value Added Tax) payers neglected to report to the tax authorities, reporting only part of their income or zeroing out their results with fake receipts.

Then, on June 6, 2008, I wrote an open letter to the Helsingin Sanomat, signed by me and other financial crime prosecutors, stating: “Cases of receipt-based trading are increasing all the time. It seems crazy that nothing is being done when you think about how many resources the police, prosecutors, and the judiciary have to use. Even now, there is a case in court with about a hundred defendants and which will take nine months to process. It is bureaucracy of the worst kind.”

L: Did anyone listen?

O: Eventually. Finance Minister Katainen dismissed the prosecutors’ concerns in a speech the following day, and the construction industry also opposed the prosecutors’ message. However, the reverse VAT obligation for construction services came into force on April 1, 2011, when the government changed. Since then, the system has increased VAT revenue by 80-120 million euros annually.

Timo Kohtamäki, Chairman of the Board of the Finnish Construction Industry Federation, later stated: “We have to admit that we were wrong, but that’s okay, because the reverse VAT has helped to combat the grey economy.” (For more information, see Markku Hirvonen, Verokarhun Muistelmat, pp. 352-360.)

L: Clearly, you chose quite a different career path than the ministry. Any regrets?

O: For years, I was conflicted because in Finland, the word “prosecutor” means “accuser.” The focus is on punishing, whereas for the minister, it’s forgiveness. Part of me felt what I was doing was against my father’s will. But then my mindset changed when I turned 60.

L: How so?

O: During my birthday party at the German Church parish hall, my friend, Tapani Erling, gave a speech in English and called me a “civil servant” of over 30 years. This was light for my soul. I understood I was serving and not accusing. Then, two years ago at my retirement party (photo with gifts below), I told my colleagues to remember that they are working as civil servants, a big honor and an important job.

L: In your many years of public service, did you consider getting involved at the local level?

O: Yes. When I lived in Pihtipudas for ten years during the 80s and 90s, I served for eight years on the local council. Four of those I was the chairman of its cabinet.

L: Given that experience, did you consider running for higher office like your father?

O: I was encouraged to run for the Finnish Parliament in 1991 as a candidate for the Keskusta (Center) Party and did so. I got a total of 1975 votes, but it wasn’t enough to win.

L: Were you disappointed?

O: No. My campaign ended in a very dramatic way. I was in a very serious car accident.

L: How terrible. Please share if it’s not uncomfortable.

O: I was driving to my last campaign speech in a small village when my car wheels got stuck in the ice tracks, and headed toward the fence. The car went out of my control, flipped over, and landed in a ditch. Within seconds, the glass from the windshield shattered, and I was hanging upside down. Thankfully, I had been wearing a seat beat. I really thought I was going to die. There was a rock right next to my head that had just missed me.

L: Since this was in the days before mobile phones, how did help arrive?

O: It didn’t. I somehow managed to open the door and got out. My car was totaled and had destroyed the fence, so I walked to the farmer’s house on the property and offered to pay for the fence.

L: That sounds like something beyond Finnish sisu (strength of will, or acting rationally in the of adversity). What did the farmer say?

O: He refused payment, and I called the police, who determined I was not at fault. Then, I phoned my good friend and supporter, Tuomo Jääskeläinen, who drove me to the campaign event.

L: You’re kidding! You didn’t go to the hospital?

O: No, I wasn’t bleeding or injured, and felt strangely calm.

L: I would have been in the ER hooked up to a sedative IV.

O: We continued to the event at the Muhonen family home in Liitonjoki, and I gave my usual speech to my supporters. The next day I participated in a final event with all the candidates, including Esko Aho, the soon-to-be Prime Minister and Keskusta Party leader. When it came time for me to speak, all I could do was tell about the car crash and how happy I was to still be alive.

L: Given the timing of the accident and the election, did you think the universe was sending you a sign?

O: Yes. That the political life I was pursuing was too much for me. The campaign was over, and I was truly grateful to return to my usual life.

L: And now, 34 years later, you are running as an SDP candidate for Helsinki City Council. Since you are retired, why not go to Spain, relax, and sunbathe on the beach?

O: In Finland, we have a saying: “Pidä hyvästä kiinni,” which means “hold on to what is good.” It comes from the second part of Timothy in the Bible. Working on behalf of Helsinki residents would allow me to continue to serve. I have the passion and energy to tackle our difficult problems, and long work experience and the right values to make fair decisions for everyone. “Otto Jämsén for the People!” That’s my campaign slogan.

L: Spoken like a true Social Democrat.

O: I have benefited greatly in my personal and professional life from the SDP platform. I received a tuition-free university education for six years at law school, for example. In reading the history of the SDP, it’s clear that the party has been for free education, affordable day care and housing, workers’ rights, health care for all, and a strong business economy. In his speech at the Democratic National Convention in August, former President Bill Clinton mentioned that since the Cold War, 51 million jobs had been created in America, 50 million by the Democrats and only one million by Republicans. He said he’d googled that statistic several times. My point is that economic ideas and solutions can have a positive effect on society. But now, we need to change direction. (Photo below with Eveliina Heinäluoma, SDP Parliament member and mayoral candidate in Helsinki.)

L: Tell me one idea you have for improving the local economy.

O: The arvonlisävero (VAT) at 25.5% is much too high, in my opinion. It’s also unfair, as it’s the same for everyone—from the poorest to richest residents. When products and services are more expensive, people in general stay home more, shop less, and cut back on extra expenses, such as movies or getting a professional haircut. They’re too concerned about paying their rent and heating bills. This in turn destroys the local businesses instead of growing them and creating jobs. When there are more workers, more tax revenue is generated, and this helps support the welfare of all in society.

L: Let’s talk about some ways to improve the lives of Helsinki residents. I know that for personal reasons you are passionate about strengthening the public health care system.

O: Yes. I credit the public system in Helsinki with saving my life—twice.

L: Please share.

O: When I worked as a prosecutor, I received työterveyshuolto, or private health care insurance, as every employee does in Finland. It was through my work doctor in 2009 that an abnormal blood test was found. A biopsy followed at Meilahti Hospital, and ultimately, I needed surgery there to remove the cancer, as the private clinic was not able to do this as part of my work insurance plan. I was very satisfied with the robotic procedure and high-level quality medical care I received. It’s our duty as a society to make sure everyone has timely access to public sector care like I did.

L: What was the other time you were hospitalized?

O: Four years later, the private clinic found a cardiac irregularity during a bicycle test. Again they sent me to Meilahti, where I was given an angiogram and found to have multiple blockages in my arteries. Putting in a stent wasn’t possible, and I needed open heart surgery. Four arteries were bypassed.

L: I remember what a shock that was. Your condition was so much worse than you’d thought.

O: Again, I received high-quality care and recovered well from the surgery. My fear now is that some political groups in Finland are moving toward the American system, or privatizing with insurance companies involved. In an article that recently appeared in the Helsingin Sanomat, I read that the Finnish government promised 630 million euros to a private health care company while the public sector struggles to hire more nurses and doctors, and to update equipment. The public sector has no motive other than to serve and help. Private businesses are focused on making a profit, and if they are owned internationally, their profits often go abroad and don’t stay here in Finland.

That’s why I feel strongly that this money going to the private clinics should be redirected to improve the public health care system, which makes for a healthier society. When the Finnish government votes to cut services, we feel it strongly here in Helsinki, as we are the most populated city. In this election, we have to send a strong message to the government that it’s time to change direction.

L: In addition to redirecting funds from the private to public health care sector, do you have any other ideas for funding health care, public education, day care, the unemployed, and other services that so many depend on?

O: There is a plan to expand the train line from Turku to Helsinki at a cost of 3.4 billion euros to tax payers. It’s been approved but not implemented yet. I can’t imagine that at a time when Finland needs to secure its border with Russia, grow the economy, and invest in public services like health care and education, we are instead shortening a train commute. We need to fund projects that support everyone.

L: As you said, “Otto Jämsén, For the People!” (Shy smile.) I’d like to add my observations regarding hospital care. While I received very good post-surgical medical treatment, with four patients to a room, the nurses were clearly understaffed and overwhelmed. All but two were Finnish, and kitchen and housekeeping staff were non-Finnish. As you know, the current government is taking steps to make it more difficult for immigrants and foreigners to move here and become permanent residents and citizens. Is this the right move?

O: Absolutely not. It is very important and worth investing in the integration and training of immigrants and foreigners to Finland. A recent article in the Helsingin Sanomat (March 11, 2025) reported: “If peace remains in Finland, then peacetime Finland will need at least 130,000 more people by 2030 to maintain our welfare society. Without immigration, there are not enough of us to care for, build, produce, develop, plan, research, innovate and try. Immigration is the country’s defense.”

We should be happy and grateful that people from abroad are moving here to work and raise their families. As you know firsthand, it can be challenging. Again, the government needs to change direction and make it easier for them to stay and become integrated.

L. Before we finish, is there anything else you’d like to share. A pet project, for example?

O: As an avid swimmer, it’s my wish that public pools open earlier and close later in the season. Last year, Uimastation closed in early September while in Espoo some pools stayed open three weeks longer. And it was a good thing, too, because it was unseasonably warm here. The climate is changing, and we need to think about how people can stay comfortable. Not everyone likes to plunge into the Baltic.

L: Sounds like a great idea. Anything else?

O: I think its very important to support cultural, art, music, and sports programs for children and youth. Our future lies with young people, and we want them to believe their future is full of hope. During the campaign, other candidates and I have had the opportunity to attend some youth events organized by the Helsinki Artists’ Association, Helsinki Conservatory, the International School of Music Finland, Teaterskolan Doti, the Lauttasaari Music Institute, and the Student Sports Association. All of these organizations do valuable work to ensure that the everyday lives and future of our youngest generations are full of hope.

L: In closing, please tell us when the election is and how Helsinki residents can vote for you.

O: Election Day is Sunday, April 13, 2025, but early voting is from April 2-8, and overseas voting from April 5-8. Everyone eligible to vote is notified by mail with their local voting place.

L: How are you feeling about the campaign and your chances?

O: It’s quite competitive with over 1,000 candidates from all parties. But whether or not I win, I am happy with the result. If I’m able to serve, it’s a wonderful opportunity, if not, I was involved at this important moment in Finnish politics. Thank you for everyone who votes for me.

L: I wish you lots of luck, Candidate 865, and thank you for sitting down to this interview. Now let’s go and hand out some promotional flyers at the metro. (Photo below: campaigning together on St. Patrick’s Day)