Hi, I’m Joonas Könttä. I served as a Member of Parliament (2019–2023) and I currently work as a City Councillor in Jyväskylä and a member of the Regional Council of Central Finland.

My background combines public service, international affairs and hands-on experience from working life. I’m also a founding shareholder in a growth company. I have worked as a diplomat at Finland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs, and previously as Secretary General at the Ministry of Education and Culture as well as a political assistant in the European Parliament. I hold a Master’s degree in Political Science, and my expertise focuses on Russia and Eastern Europe. I have also lived in Russia for six months to deepen my understanding of Russian society. Today, I am a doctoral researcher at the University of Jyväskylä.

I also know everyday working life from the private sector: during my studies I worked for several years in sales. At the University of Jyväskylä I was active in student politics, including serving as Chair of the Student Union’s Council of Representatives (2013).

The issues that matter most to me are work and entrepreneurship, security, education, wellbeing and fairness, and a cleaner environment. I believe everyone should be free to build their own life, while respecting others. Climate change is a fight we must win, and the circular economy is a modern way to create jobs and sustainable growth.

Outside politics, I’m a sports enthusiast. I train several days a week. Triathlon, gym and judo. and I enjoy getting outdoors to hunt and fish.

Feel free to reach out, I’m always glad to hear from you.