Helsinki Deputy Mayor Triggers Controversy for Spray-Painting Graffiti

Finland’s capital city of Helsinki finds itself embroiled in an unexpected controversy.

One of its four deputy mayors, Paavo Arhinmäki, is now under scrutiny for unlawful graffiti work. Legal action and demands for his resignation are escalating, as well as calls for compensation to cover the cost of graffiti removal.

From Minister to Graffiti Artist: Arhinmäki’s Unexpected Return to Street Art

The Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency disclosed to YLE, a public broadcaster, that Arhinmäki’s graffiti escapade left the city with a hefty cleaning bill of approximately 3,500 euros ($3,830).

On Friday evening, Arhinmäki, 46, and a companion were caught by security personnel in an eastern Helsinki rail tunnel, shortly after completing their graffiti artwork. Finnish street art connoisseurs remarked the style seemed partially inspired by New York City graffiti from the 1970s.

Helsinki deputy mayor busted for painting graffiti mural https://t.co/ouqLhm3u7E pic.twitter.com/KsHKcpu3ag

— New York Post (@nypost) June 28, 2023

Helsingin Sanomat, the largest newspaper in Finland, published a photograph of the sizeable graffiti work in a tweet, adding more fuel to the fire.

Arhinmäki, who’s recognized as an advocate for street art and who crafted graffiti in his youth, admitted his wrongdoing in a Facebook post on Sunday.

He referred to his actions as “stupid fooling around” and extended his apologies. His political journey includes serving as a legislator and chairperson for the Left Alliance, as well as the Minister for Culture and Sports from 2011-2014.

Legal Consequences Loom for Arhinmäki as Authorities Examine Graffiti Incident

Helsinki’s law enforcement agencies are examining the graffiti incident as an act of vandalism and interference with rail traffic, both serious offenses.

The disruption caused by the incident necessitated a temporary halt in rail operations in the tunnel, which is frequently used by cargo trains accessing a Helsinki port.

Whether Arhinmäki will face formal legal charges remains an open question at this time. Speaking to YLE on Monday, Arhinmäki stated, “I have committed a crime and bear full responsibility for it.”

Nonetheless, he refused to step down from his position as deputy mayor and from his role in the Helsinki City Council, where the Left Alliance party continues to support him.

Deputy mayor stopped train traffic while doing illegal graffiti – “I apologize”

Paavo Arhinmäki of the Left Alliance was aware of the legal walls but preferred to paint by the train track.#Finland #graffiti #LeftAlliance #mayor #PaavoArhinmäki https://t.co/RWub4DQ6kc

— The Nordic Times (@nordictimes_com) June 28, 2023

Every year, Helsinki earmarks an estimated 650,000 euros ($710,000) to eradicate illegal graffiti across the city. Meanwhile, the city administration is exploring options for creating more approved sites for street art.