Green Party · Tampere & Pirkanmaa
In English
Johanna Kirjavainen
I am a Tampere city councillor, a regional councillor, Doctor of Science in Technology, Master of Science in Industrial Engineering and Management, and a mother of two from Pispala, Tampere. I am running for the Finnish Parliament in the 2027 elections in the Pirkanmaa constituency.
I want to help build a Finland that looks to the future, where decisions take into account future generations and the environment, and where everyone, regardless of their background, can study, live, and run a business in a supportive environment. I am deeply passionate about making political decisions based on research and strengthening everyone’s opportunities for a good life through fairness and justice. The values most important to me are human rights, equality, and education.
Why Did I Enter Politics?
I entered politics because I am deeply concerned about two key issues: the future of the welfare state and climate change. I chose the Green Party because it genuinely bases its decisions on science and takes the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss on our society seriously. The Green Party’s values — human rights, equality, education, and combating inequality — are also deeply important to me.
I have personally experienced that life doesn’t always go as planned, no matter how hard you try. In high school, I was bullied, and as an adult, I have faced postpartum depression and burnout. These experiences taught me that any of us can find ourselves in a situation where we can’t cope alone — and in those moments, the welfare state should be there to catch us. Getting help at the right time prevents human suffering and helps people get back on their feet more quickly.
Experience and Expertise
During my studies, I was active in student organization work and focused academically on technology and innovation management, topics that I explored in my bachelor’s thesis, master’s thesis, and ultimately in my doctoral dissertation. In teaching, I concentrated on futures thinking, technology strategy, and innovation management. Alongside my studies, I worked both in companies and at the university. As a third-generation engineer and the child of an entrepreneurial family, I have served on the board of my family’s SME in manufacturing industry for nearly a decade. In connection with this, I also completed the Chamber of Commerce’s Certified Board Member (HHJ) training program.
You Are the Future
I entered politics so I could tell my children that I did my best to address the big questions, such as climate change and inequality.
I have personally faced difficulties, received help, and that gives me the strength to engage in even the most challenging political conversations. Positivity and hope carry us forward. I want to create more of that in our society.
I promise to do politics that encourages and empowers action, and that does not forget the individual when they are unable to act on their own. These are the times when big questions must be solved.
I hope you too will work toward the best possible future, according to your abilities and circumstances. You are the future.
Johanna Kirjavainen
My Political Themes
- A secure future for everyone
Security comes from everyone being able to trust in the future. Let’s build a Finland that fights climate change and its effects, prevents poverty and social exclusion, and offers accessible social and health services to all. Let’s invest in the well-being of children and young people, strengthen equality and root out racism, so that everyone can feel they belong in society. A secure Finland is a country where help is available in time, no one is left alone, and everyone has the opportunity for a good life. - Equal education for everyone
For a small nation, it is vital that everyone keeps up, receives a high-quality education, and can study as far as they wish. Every child and young person has the right to high-quality education regardless of background or place of residence. Let’s invest in early childhood education and schools, keep group sizes reasonable, and ensure sufficient support for pupils who need it. Free education, combating segregation, and effective action against bullying, loneliness, and social exclusion create the foundation for equal opportunities to learn, grow, and build a good future. - Work and livelihood for everyone
Everyone should have the opportunity to build their own well-being through work, entrepreneurship, or other meaningful activity. Accepting a job, starting a business, and trying something new should always be sensible and possible for everyone. Let’s reform social security in the direction of a basic income and dismantle incentive traps, so that working does not lead to unreasonable bureaucracy and the loss of benefits. Let’s make it easier to start a business, strengthen entrepreneurs’ social security, and secure pensions in a changing working life. At the same time, let’s cut environmentally harmful business subsidies and shift the focus of taxation from labour to environmental and health harms.
I passionately believe that political decisions should be based on research evidence and made fairly, strengthening everyone’s opportunities for a good life.
You can also explore my previous election themes: