In Spring 2024, Lappeenranta Welcomed a New Mayor. Despite being only 35 years old, Lappeenranta’s new mayor, Tuomo Sallinen, has already had an impressive career in the municipal sector. He has served as the municipal secretary in Kiuruvesi, municipal manager in Ruokolahti, municipal secretary and deputy mayor in Lappeenranta, interim mayor, and now, mayor. Why Eastern Finland?
- I feel a great affection for Eastern Finland, Sallinen says.
- I don’t think anything would be inherently better elsewhere. I have good networks here and many valuable connections.
Sallinen admits that he has been approached with other offers. However, the six-year term as mayor of Lappeenranta is exactly the role that the Master of Laws and trained district court judge feels is his calling.
- And perhaps for longer if things go that way. Lappeenranta is a well-sized city with plenty of opportunities. I don’t believe for a second that a larger municipality or working abroad would offer anything fundamentally better.
Sallinen wants to make it clear that Lappeenranta is the driving force of Southeastern Finland and must remain so.
- I will advocate for Lappeenranta as the region’s hub and Southeastern Finland’s economic engine,” he says. - It’s also important to support the entire status of Eastern Finland.
Sallinen has established himself as a steadfast supporter of regional advocacy and collaboration with the business sector, a role he plans to continue and strengthen if necessary. He has been a familiar negotiation partner in practical discussions with businesses and the city, aiming to facilitate business establishment, growth, and operations in the area.
- We’ve invested in the city’s business services and in open, goal-oriented communication with both businesses and residents, he explains. - It’s essential to listen carefully to business representatives, as they understand the real conditions and needs that either help or hinder operations.
Lappeenranta is known as a border city. Before the Covid pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, attracted a significant number of Russian residents and visitors. However, Sallinen believes the city should not rely on a return to trade with Russia, even if the war ends one day.
- In fact, Lappeenranta’s position is surprisingly good. Our economy and administration are solid, and we have a wealth of expertise and strengths that keep the city vibrant. I believe that the economic downturn is over for the business sector as well – we live in a prosperous and safe city.
Sallinen points to the world-class university LUT, particularly its expertise in electrical and energy fields, as a substantial advantage that concretely influences the development of the local business environment now and in the future.
- There’s also positive development around bioeconomy.
Lappeenranta has managed to retain a large number of industrial jobs, and new ones have been created. Sallinen is also pleased that new innovations and businesses, especially those connected with LUT Group, are regularly emerging and creating job opportunities for both local and external talent.
- Lappeenranta is a very international city,” Sallinen says. - Currently, there are about a hundred different nationalities here.
The mayor thinks that the presence of the English language should be enhanced, although it doesn't have to be present in every part of life.
- For instance, English-language signs and guides to key locations, attractions, and landmarks could be an area for future development. Many newcomers want to learn Finnish, but English-language signs would still serve a wider audience.
Sallinen supports cooperation at all levels, including internationally. He has a particularly warm attitude toward Lappeenranta’s friendship city in Ukraine, Chernihiv, which recently sent visitors for the city’s 375th anniversary celebration in August.
- We are committed to cooperation with Ukraine and hope to assist with reconstruction efforts, particularly through joint education projects when the time comes.
Lappeenranta is large enough to provide comprehensive services – both public and commercial.
- We have our own airport, a central hospital, a top-15 medium-sized university, excellent schools, and a diverse range of other services to meet even the most demanding needs, Sallinen believes. - And it’s always worth remembering that Helsinki is only two hours away if needed.
The mayor understands that while work and study bring prosperity, additional activities are essential to a vibrant life. Good sports facilities, clean and diverse natural surroundings along Lake Saimaa, as well as ample cultural and recreational opportunities, are key to a well-rounded life.
- We have plenty of those, Sallinen says. - I don’t see anything missing here that would compel one to leave.
Sallinen’s child attends a local daycare, and he says it works excellently. Everything related to childcare goes smoothly, and he has no doubts about the future school path.
- My son could study up to a doctorate here in his hometown if he wanted. Lappeenranta offers a comprehensive education path and stands out with activities like the Uniori program, specialized high school science tracks, special emphasis areas in basic education, and entrepreneurship education.
- And the entire educational path can also be pursued in English.
Although the conditions are favorable and encouraging, the mayor is driven by hard work.
- Success requires a lot of effort and perseverance, he says. It doesn’t require any special talent – commitment and hard work yield results. And remember, an eight out of ten performance is usually enough; you don’t always have to exceed yourself.