Helsinki politicians have finalized next year's budget after weekend negotiations. The agreement allocates two million euros to address problems caused by the synthetic drug alpha-PVP, known locally as 'peukku'. An additional 750,000 euros will establish a new daytime center for substance users.
The budget also includes funding for bicycle paths, kindergarten substitutes, and a wage program for low-paid workers. This marks the fourth such support center for drug users in Helsinki, though its location remains undetermined.
City officials described the negotiations as relatively smooth compared to previous years. The final budget amounts to approximately 6.5 billion euros for Finland's capital city.
New Mayor Daniel Sazonov received praise from other political groups for his groundwork and willingness to compromise. The budget includes 35 million euros for pedestrian and cycling pathways next year, with 40 million allocated for each of the following two years.
Left Alliance politicians secured funding for renovating Kontula shopping center and half a million euros for a new skateboarding hall. The party had prioritized both projects during negotiations.
Early childhood education will receive 2.2 million euros in additional funding. One million euros is specifically designated for rapid-response substitute teachers in kindergartens.
Vocational training gains three million euros, with one million targeting quick employment in sectors experiencing worker shortages. A separate million-euro wage program will benefit low-income employees working with vulnerable residents.
Swimming instruction receives 200,000 euros, less than the initially proposed 300,000. Politicians nevertheless expressed unanimous support for ensuring adequate swimming education funding.
The budget expands summer job vouchers to include first-year secondary students. Combined with youth entrepreneurship vouchers, this initiative receives half a million euros.
City-owned housing company Heka won't receive new capital funding despite recent financial struggles. Instead, Helsinki's right-of-occupancy housing company Haso gets two million euros in financing.
The agreement includes provisions to sell or demolish unnecessary properties that negatively impact resident comfort and safety. School textbook funding was decided with broad consensus, totaling 1.5 million euros.
School and kindergarten yards will be systematically expanded beyond minimum size requirements. Political groups expressed commitment to maintaining employment service resources.
This budget represents a practical compromise between political factions, though some observers note the continued challenge of actually implementing all planned infrastructure projects on schedule. The city board will process the budget before final council approval in November.