SDP MP Ville Merinen to Leave Parliament, Pursue Tech and Communications Roles

Ville Merinen told Bishop Teemu Laajasalo’s podcast that he will not stand for re-election in April 2027, YLE reported. He wrote on LinkedIn that he has held talks with several technology companies and sees demand for communicators who understand politics, technology and artificial intelligence. He has been an MP since 2023, entering Parliament from the Pirkanmaa constituency with just under 6,300 votes. Merinen has since moved from Pirkkala to Helsinki and also stood in last year’s municipal elections. Known as 'Therapist-Ville,' he has publicly criticised parliamentary working culture, particularly the social affairs and health committee, and raised concerns about harassment in the chamber. His decision reduces the number of sitting Pirkanmaa MPs expected to run next spring. Earlier reporting showed nine of 13 Pirkanmaa MPs who replied intend to run again in April.