Kai Mykkänen is Espoo’s new mayor

The City Council elected the new mayor at its meeting on Monday 21 October 2024. An election was carried out, and Kai Mykkänen received a total of 44 votes. The other candidate in the second round was Tuula Antola and she received 31 votes.

Kai Mykkänen (b. 1979) currently serves as a Member of Parliament and Minister of Climate and the Environment. He holds a Master of Social Sciences degree. 

The selection was based on a comparison of the applicants’ merits, interviews and suitability for the position, on which expert opinions were requested. Based on their applications, the following six candidates were selected to participate in the interviews, personal assessments and council group presentations: Tuula Antola, Erkki Eerola, Mervi Heinaro, Mervi Katainen, Leila Lehtinen and Kai Mykkänen. 

The new mayor is elected for a fixed term of seven years, after which the City Council may decide on additional terms of up to four years. The qualification requirements include a master’s degree and sufficient management experience as well as proficiency in Finnish and Swedish according to the language requirements. Familiarity with public administration, strategic thinking, leadership experience at a corporate group level, competence in economic management, network and partnership management skills, and knowledge of business life were also considered advantages. In addition, a good knowledge of English and Swedish was required. 

A total of 46 people applied for the position of mayor, 14 of whom met the qualification criteria. Later, two of them withdrew their application, leaving a total of 12 candidates who met the criteria.