Finnish Minister Hires Son as Parliamentary Assistant

Finland's Social and Health Services Minister Kaisa Juuso has appointed her son as her new parliamentary assistant. The hiring surprised many in her political party. Ville Rajainmäki began work in early September as a replacement assistant. His contract runs through the end of the current parliamentary term in April 2027. The position is full-time with a monthly salary of 3,034 euros. The parliamentary group leader for the Finns Party said he was unaware of the family connection during hiring. Parliamentary rules allow ministers to personally select their assistants. The appointment comes as Minister Juuso faces criticism over healthcare network reforms in Lapland. Government plans would transfer surgical operations from Kemi to Rovaniemi. Recent evaluations suggest even day surgeries might move from Kemi. Minister Juuso confirmed the appointment to media but didn't comment on the family relationship. She has previously mentioned having one child, who is 24 years old. The arrangement raises questions about transparency in political appointments despite being technically permissible.