Malmi Library Event Details

Zak Allal's Introduction

Zak Allal introduced himself as a doctor, researcher, entrepreneur, and pianist-composer with extensive experience in healthcare, technology, and geopolitics. He has worked in various capacities, including at the UN, Silicon Valley, and across Europe, and has been living in Finland for three years. His goals, as outlined in his electoral promises, include:

• Faster and more efficient healthcare
• Easier Finnish language learning for immigrants
• Better opportunities for entrepreneurs in Helsinki

Key Discussion Points

On Helsinki's Growth and Quality Services

Allal emphasized efficiency without raising taxes or cutting essential services. He advocated for:

• Digital and AI-based solutions to reduce waiting times
• Streamlined processes with less bureaucracy
• Optimizing critical healthcare resources
• Supporting entrepreneurship and innovation
• Balanced urban planning combining environmental friendliness with efficiency
• Introducing a DOGE-type commission at the municipal level to ensure smart and sustainable decisions

On Municipal Funding Challenges

When addressing the scenario of insufficient state funding, Allal firmly stated: "No tax increases - we won't make Helsinki a more expensive place to live and do business." He proposed:

• Enhancing efficiency in administration and services using AI-based analytics
• Data-driven decision-making for financial optimization
• Eliminating performative campaigns and redirecting funds to more impactful actions
• Utilizing unused grants and funding opportunities, particularly from EU sources
• Maintaining service quality while improving productivity

On Cultural and Library Services

Drawing on his background as a pianist and composer, Allal emphasized the importance of appreciating and preserving Helsinki's rich cultural heritage. He reiterated his point about the DOGE commission enabling more efficient fund allocation while maintaining quality without budget cuts or tax increases.

On Education and Childcare Staffing

After visiting schools and speaking with teachers while developing his Finnish language learning application, Allal observed that the situation is not as dire as sometimes portrayed. He acknowledged that while Finland is "the world's happiest country for a reason," workloads have increased disproportionately without adequate support. He identified the core issues as teacher time and numbers rather than educational quality, suggesting better investment of resources and addressing lagging salary levels.

On Large Daycare Centers

Allal expressed opposition to mega-daycares, stating: "Being in smaller groups is beneficial for children's psychological development and growth" and is better for teachers and caregivers as well. He favored smaller, warm-hearted daycare centers where he believes both children and staff can thrive.

On Police Operations

Regarding changes in Helsinki police operations, Allal stated that "police deserve quality" and advocated for:

• Raising police salaries
• Providing additional resources
• Tailored approaches to different types of crime
• Zero tolerance for crime without exceptions or profiling
• Maintaining Helsinki as a unified society without parallel communities

On Substance Abuse Issues

Allal approached drug problems from a health and mental health perspective, noting that social factors play a significant role. He emphasized:

• The most severe harm comes from hard drugs (heroin, crack, cocaine) and alcohol
• Drug smuggling follows gray economy routes from abroad
• The need for evidence-based harm reduction methods without stigmatization
• Establishment of supervised consumption facilities
• More low-threshold addiction treatment facilities
• Focused resources on targeting major drug trafficking operations

Concluding Remarks

In his concluding remarks, Allal identified his two most important issues as:

1. Mental health and faster diagnosis times, especially for depression, anxiety, ADHD, Asperger's, and substance abuse issues
2. Police and security measures, including raising police salaries to make Helsinki more peaceful, unified, and safe, coupled with better integration of immigrants through faster Finnish language learning