Aleksi Paananen, Son of Former Auditor, Elected Pirkanmaa Audit Director in Surprise Vote
Aleksi Paananen was elected audit director of the Pirkanmaa welfare region in a surprise closed 43–35 regional council vote on April 27; some councillors said they only learned afterwards that his father had previously held the post.
Aleksi Paananen will become the audit director of the Pirkanmaa welfare region after the regional council elected him in a closed 43–35 vote on April 27.
The result surprised some councillors because the audit committee had recommended Rami Aaltonen. Several councillors only learned of Paananen’s family connection after being contacted by YLE; his father, Jarmo Paananen, previously held the post and is an SDP member who chairs the Tampere Workers' Association. Group leaders from both the SDP and the National Coalition Party denied that any lobbying took place during the selection.
Supporters say the choice was based on credentials. Tiina Vaittinen, an audit committee member, ranked Paananen among the top four after reviewing qualifications. Left Alliance group leader Milka Hanhela nominated him for the council vote.
The post drew 19 applicants. Paananen holds a master’s in administrative sciences with a specialisation in auditing and evaluation and currently serves as audit manager for the Vantaa and Kerava welfare region. Rami Aaltonen has a higher-level UAS degree and works as an evaluation director in Southwest Finland. Paananen starts in May. The monthly salary for the position is almost €9,700.
Catch the full story over at YLE
