Published in Kaleva news paper 22.11.2020
The local chapters of the political parties in Oulu and their representatives are concerned about hate speech, harassment, and other threatening behavior in both physical meetings as well as in online environment towards societal figures and political candidates.
Experiencing verbal abuse and threats of physical violence can lead to a situation where not everyone who is interested in political decision-making dares to run in the elections.
Political harassment is typically focused toward women, sexual and gender minorities, racial minorities, as well as disabled people.
“The right for everyone in a society to participate in the decision-making must be ensured, and we must make it possible for everyone who is interested in making a difference to have the courage to become a candidate.”
As the representatives of the political parties, with this statement we want to set an example of open political discourse and create rules for what is and what is not allowed. We have both the power and the responsibility to intervene in inappropriate behavior and speech, to dispute our own action models, and make it easier and safer for everyone to take part in political decision-making.
It is a right for everyone in a society to participate in the decision-making and to be a political candidate in the elections. This is something that must not be available only for the strongest or the most thick-skinned people. The municipal elections next spring must take place without hate speech.
We will do everything we can to make sure that acting in politics and being a candidate in the elections is as safe as possible for everyone, regardless of their background.
Aino-Kaisa Manninen
Chair of the Oulu chapter of the Green League
Rauno Hekkala
Chair of the Oulu chapter of the Left Alliance
Pirjo Sirviö
Chair of the Oulu chapter of the Social Democratic Party
Jari Pirinen
Chair of the Oulu chapter of the Blue Reform
Tuija Patana
Chair of the Oulu chapter of the Centre Party
Leena Askeli
Chair of the Oulu chapter of the Christian Democrats
Sami Pikkuaho
Chair of the Oulu chapter of the National Coalition Party
Lare Inkala
Chair of the Oulu chapter of the Finns Party
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