Nine Kurdish Candidates Vying for Municipal Elections in Finland

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – In a significant political development, nine Kurds from various parts of Kurdistan have nominated themselves for municipal elections in Finland, marking a historic moment for Kurdish representation in the country's local governance.

Among the candidates is Tawar Salari, a Kurdish woman originally from western Iran's Rojhilat region, born in Koya in the Kurdistan Region. She moved to Finland at the age of two and has since become an influential figure in Finnish politics. Currently serving as the vice-chair of Demarinaiset, Salari is actively campaigning for the municipal elections in Turku. Speaking to Kurdistan 24, Salari emphasized her party's foreign policy, which focuses on supporting the Kurdish cause, advocating for human rights, and addressing critical issues in Kurdistan and the broader Middle East.

Berhan Ahmadi, another Kurdish candidate from the Social Democratic Party, also spoke about the importance of amplifying the voices of foreigners within municipal councils. He believes these voices must represent their communities, particularly those of refugees and immigrants, and advocate for policies that promote inclusion and equality.

The Kurdish candidates running for municipal office are as follows:

1. Muhis Azizi – National Coalition Party (NCP), Turku (from western Iran, Rojhilat).

2. Shehin Zadeahmad – Social Democratic Party, Turku (from western Iran, Rojhilat).

3. Farzanda Qadri – Social Democratic Party, Turku (from western Iran, Rojhilat).

4. Samira Nouri – Social Democratic Party, Turku (from western Iran, Rojhilat).

5. Tawar Salari – Social Democratic Party, Turku (from western Iran, Rojhilat).

6. Berhan Ahmadi – Social Democratic Party, Turku (from western Iran, Rojhilat).

7. Abdulkader Jafar – Social Democratic Party, Lahti (from northeastern Syria, Rojava).

8. Karim Habibi – Social Democratic Party, Vaasa (from western Iran, Rojhilat).

9. Afshin Veisi – Finnish Left Alliance, Raisio (from western Iran, Rojhilat).

This surge of Kurdish candidates underscores the growing influence of the Kurdish community in Finland’s political landscape. As these individuals seek to strengthen representation for foreigners and refugees, they aim to foster a more inclusive society while championing the rights and interests of Kurds both in Finland and abroad.