Archive · 19 March 2025
Panel Discussion at Malmi Library, Full Report
Moderated by Pastor Kirsi Ojansuu-Kaunisto (Malmi Parish)
Zak Allal's Introduction
Zak introduced himself as a doctor, researcher, entrepreneur, and pianist-composer with extensive experience in healthcare, technology, and geopolitics, having worked at the UN, in Silicon Valley, and across Europe.
His three electoral priorities:
- Faster and more efficient healthcare
- Easier Finnish language learning for immigrants
- Better opportunities for entrepreneurs in Helsinki
On Helsinki's Growth and Quality Services
Efficiency without raising taxes or cutting essential services. Zak 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
- A DOGE-type commission at the municipal level for smart, sustainable decisions
On Municipal Funding Challenges
"No tax increases, we won't make Helsinki a more expensive place to live and do business." Proposals included:
- AI-based analytics to enhance administrative efficiency
- Data-driven financial optimization
- Eliminating performative campaigns and redirecting funds
- Utilizing unused EU grants and funding opportunities
On Substance Abuse
Zak approached drug problems from a health and mental health perspective, emphasizing:
- The most severe harm comes from hard drugs and alcohol
- Drug smuggling follows gray economy routes
- Evidence-based harm reduction without stigmatization
- Supervised consumption facilities
- More low-threshold addiction treatment facilities
- Focused resources on major drug trafficking operations
Closing Priorities
- Mental health and faster diagnosis times, especially for depression, anxiety, ADHD, Asperger's, and substance abuse issues.
- Police and security, raising police salaries to make Helsinki more peaceful, unified, and safe, coupled with better integration through faster Finnish language learning.