Candidate in the Espoo Municipal Elections and the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County Elections
For me, politics is about creating real improvements in people’s lives. I believe in freedom – that everyone has the right to shape their life according to their own preferences and circumstances. I work in a solution-oriented way and believe that there should always be a general plan to address any problems that arise. This is a principle I follow not only in my professional life but also in my daily life, and it will continue to guide me if I am elected.
Even though it may not always seem like it, the world has become a better place to live. Fewer people live in poverty, living standards are rising, the risk of war is lower today than, for example, in the 18th century, and we no longer have to die from diseases that were a death sentence just a hundred years ago.
However, every era faces its own challenges. We would not be where we are today if it weren’t for those before us who believed that major issues could be solved—such as the abolition of slavery, gender equality, and more environmentally friendly production methods. We are still dealing with these issues to some extent. My politics are based on the individual and three fundamental human needs.
These fundamental needs are:
🕊️ Freedom – The ability to make choices and influence one’s life. Freedom also requires that opinions can be freely expressed. The right to express one’s views also means that others have the right to openly criticize them.
🫂 Security – Every person needs a basic sense of security. This includes not having to fear violence at home, in school, or in the workplace. It also means financial security and knowing that there will be food on the table—not just today but in the future as well.
🤝 Community – Freedom and community are not opposites. Independent individuals who respect others’ differences can also find a sense of belonging. Everyone has the right to choose which communities they wish to be part of—whether that’s a church, a mosque, a local humanist association, or a group of people who enjoy the same music as you do.
The role of society is not to dictate people’s life choices but to create the conditions that allow each individual to fulfill their potential—regardless of background or life situation. A key principle is that each person is responsible for their own life and should take the necessary steps to make it as good as possible. An independent person is a free person and can make sound life decisions.
My name is Markus Söderman, and I am a linguist and a doctoral researcher. I am an incurable world-improver who prefers to work toward solutions to societal problems rather than just clenching my fist in my pocket or complaining at the kitchen table. I believe in humanity. Despite our weaknesses, we can make the world a better place—for ourselves, for our surroundings, and for nature as a whole.
In this program, you can read more about my solutions and my views on education, healthcare, the role of the individual, and the responsibilities of various societal actors.
Looking Ahead to the 2025 Elections
My goal is to build a society where freedom, security, and community are central values. By focusing on education, integration, and accessible mental healthcare, we can create a stronger future for everyone.
📚 Education – A Strong Foundation for the Future
A quality education is crucial for both individual and societal development. I want to:
✅ Strengthen student welfare by increasing resources for school psychologists and counselors, ensuring that students receive the support they need.
✅ Promote multilingualism by enhancing the teaching of foreign languages and the second national language. However, language learning does not happen solely in schools—we must look beyond what schools can offer.
✅ Support teachers by ensuring that schools have enough additional staff who are not directly responsible for teaching but work in a more student-centered manner.
🌍 Integration – Opportunities for Everyone
An inclusive society where everyone feels welcome is the key to success. I will work to:
✅ Improve language education for newcomers so they can quickly integrate into society and the workforce. Effective integration creates new opportunities, strengthens the labor market, and reduces social exclusion.
✅ Foster collaboration between municipalities, organizations, and businesses to create employment opportunities and social networks for immigrants.
✅ Combat discrimination through educational initiatives and awareness campaigns that promote an open and tolerant mindset.
🧠 Accessible Mental Healthcare – No One Should Be Left Without Help
Mental health is just as important as physical health, and care should be available to everyone—no matter where they live within the wellbeing services county. I want to:
✅ Reduce wait times for mental health services by hiring more specialists and introducing digital healthcare options. Services must be easily accessible because when mental health deteriorates, the threshold for seeking help can be very high.
✅ Ensure that mental healthcare is available across the entire wellbeing services county, not just in the largest cities. Local health centers must have staff and resources to provide support close to residents.
✅ Implement preventive programs in schools and workplaces to identify and address mental health issues early.
✅ Integrate mental healthcare into primary healthcare so that it becomes a natural part of health check-ups and medical visits.
By focusing on these areas, we can work together to build a society where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and feel a sense of belonging. Let’s work toward a future based on freedom, security, and community!
Would you like to know more? Read on or contact me directly!
