Rääkkylä municipal director Esko Rautiainen continues posting sexually suggestive comments on social media despite receiving an official written warning earlier this year. The controversy raises questions about appropriate conduct for public officials in Finland's local government system.
The municipal director of this small Eastern Finnish community has been commenting on women's photos and posts in Meta's Threads application. In early November, he responded to a post asking for activities beginning with the first letter of one's name by writing about pre-ejaculation activities. In mid-September, he commented "Absolutely top-notch!" on a photo showing what appears to be a woman's bare buttocks.
Rautiainen previously faced scrutiny for similar behavior on platform X last spring. At that time, he commented "yummy butt" on images of scantily clad women while identifying himself as Rääkkylä's municipal director. The municipal board issued a formal warning that any repeat offense would lead to termination.
In an interview, Rautiainen defended his comments as harmless wordplay and entertainment. "A person can play with words," he stated regarding his explicit comment. He argues that his behavior shows he's an approachable, humorous person rather than a stuffy bureaucrat.
The municipal director claims nobody except one local newspaper has objected to his posts. He notes that among 1,200 comments on one thread, others suggested anal sex and various explicit content. "Do I have different rules than others?" he questions.
Rautiainen now says he typically writes these messages while eating breakfast rather than during work hours. He denies writing while intoxicated and reports drinking little alcohol since summer.
Municipal board chairman Markku Laasonen calls the situation "unfortunate for the municipality and residents." He states bluntly, "It's not appropriate for someone in the municipal director's position. He's supposed to be a role model for the community."
Laasonen emphasizes that Rautiainen posts under his real name with recognizable photos, making immediate connection to the municipality inevitable. The chairman plans to convene an emergency board meeting before the weekend to review the social media activity and consider next steps.
This case highlights the tension between public officials' personal expression and professional responsibilities in the digital age. Finnish municipal directors hold significant administrative power in their communities, overseeing local services and representing their municipalities. The situation in Rääkkylä demonstrates how social media blurs the line between private and professional conduct for public figures.
Small Finnish municipalities like Rääkkylä, with approximately 2,000 residents, typically have close-knit communities where public officials' behavior receives immediate attention. The municipal board's upcoming decision will test how Finland's local government system balances individual expression with professional standards.
Rautiainen's case follows similar controversies across Nordic countries where public officials face scrutiny over social media conduct. The outcome may establish precedents for how Finnish municipalities handle digital behavior that conflicts with traditional expectations of public decorum.