Päivi Räsänen, chair of the Christian Democrats, was not expecting today's debate on the party's governance and its role in the parliamentary group.
“Today's debate was certainly a surprise. I have had a really strong message from the field that I have their trust as chairperson,” says Räsänen, claiming that she would like her work to continue with the confidence and mandate of the party.
The party’s organs have called for an extraordinary meeting as soon as possible, with the aim of ushering in a rule change that could see a leadership reshuffle in the spring. Such an alteration to the present rules would enable a new chair to take post before the next parliamentary elections.
“Perhaps it is a question of image"
Räsänen says she does not know why the party is dissatisfied with her leadership.
“I didn’t receive criticism. I tried to listen for it and if there was anything that could be due to lack of confidence in me,” she says. “Perhaps it is a question of image or something else. My leadership feels in line with the Christian Democratic Party’s basic values.”
Helsingin Sanomat recently reported that rumblings within party ranks have culminated in a desire to promote Sari Essayah to the party's top post after her large vote count in the EU election. However, Räsänen denies this claim, telling Yle that the EU vote and party leadership are two entirely different matters.
Räsänen reiterated that she became party chair almost unanimously a year ago, and that she is motivated to continue in post and wishes to serve the party through the next general election.
