Following a strong showing in both the city and regional elections in Finland, Sari Rautio has been re-elected with an increased number of votes – a clear sign of public trust in her collaborative approach to politics. Known for her campaign slogan "Not me but we", Rautio has emphasised genuine cooperation, equality, and human rights throughout her political career. We caught up with her for a quick Q&A as she begins her new term.
Q1: Congratulations on your re-election! How did it feel to see your vote share increase both locally and regionally?
Sari Rautio: Thank you! It honestly felt both humbling and energising. The increased support tells me that people believe in what we’ve been building – that politics can be about community. It’s a strong mandate to keep working, together.
Q2: Your slogan “Not me but we” clearly resonated. Why do you think that message connected so strongly with voters?
Sari Rautio: I think people are tired of divisive politics. They want leaders who listen, cooperate, and build bridges. “Not me but we” wasn’t just a slogan – it’s a way of doing politics that puts the community first. The feedback I got showed that this message really hit home.
Q3: You mentioned that many cooperative-minded candidates were elected. How do you see that shaping the work ahead at the local and regional level?
Sari Rautio: It gives me real hope. When you have colleagues who approach politics with a spirit of cooperation rather than confrontation, it’s easier to make progress on things that matter – whether it’sv healthcare, education, or sustainability. There’s more room now for finding common ground.
Q4: Looking forward, what are your top priorities as you begin this new term?
Sari Rautio: Staying true to the basics – defending human rights, promoting equality, and keeping politics focused on people, not power. I want to keep building trust and making space for inclusive, collaborative politics. That’s what I’ve been elected to do, and I’m ready to keep at it. Preparedness and security is built on local level, near people and with people. That is why it is utmost important to work with people. Same goes with competitiveness - it is built on local level - together with business and people. This is the work I want to do and to promote.
Q5: How will your re-election at the local and regional level support your work as President of the EPP-CoR Group in Brussels?
Sari Rautio: Being present on the ground keeps me connected to what really matters to people – their daily lives, their hopes, their frustrations. That experience is essential when you're representing communities at the European level. It helps me be a stronger, more credible voice in Brussels and ensures that the issues we address in the EPP-CoR Group are rooted in the real challenges people face. Our job is to make sure that Europe listens – and acts – in a way that truly reflects local realities.