Mika Kasonen, born in 1972 and a native of Vantaa, represents the National Coalition Party (Kokoomus) as a candidate in the 2024 European Parliament elections.

Mika Kasonen brings a wealth of experience and a clear vision to his candidacy. He emphasises the need to strengthen internal security and crisis readiness, both nationally and across Europe. With a long career in the police force, he currently serves as a Chief Sergeant in the Special Operations Unit of the Helsinki Police Department.

He also holds the positions of the Chairman of the City Executive Board of Vantaa, regional councillor for the Vantaa and Kerava wellbeing services county, and the Chairman of the Emergency and Rescue Services Committee.

Mika’s strategy for arriving at conclusions is based on utilising the most reliable data. Accustomed to making decisions in challenging circumstances and under pressure, he has participated in numerous national and international missions, where inter-agency cooperation has played a central role. Furthermore, he has been involved in police and military exercises for many years, demonstrating familiarity with crisis management cooperation.

As a Sergeant in the reserve, Mika is in charge of leading and managing a team or section, ensuring their training, discipline, and readiness. Despite Finland’s NATO membership, he believes that maintaining a credible defence is crucial. Europeans must be able to respond to their own defence more independently, and with increasingly larger amounts of equipment and military personnel.

He advocates for reinforcing the Principle of Subsidiarity i.e. moving more power from the EU Parliament to local governments, particularly in matters relating to agriculture, forestry, hunting, and reserve activities.

Moreover, he aims to redirect the trend of increasing indebtedness and opposes collective debts. 

Beyond his professional duties, he enjoys hunting, fishing, various forms of exercise, and chess. He maintains an active involvement in organisational activities related to his hobbies and participates in Lions Club activities.

Mika and his wife Susanna are proud parents of a daughter. Together, they share their home with Nysse, their Finnish hound, as well as Ainokaisa and Saana, their wire-haired dachshunds.

Mika has a loyal group of supporters who contribute to his campaign, working towards a safer and more resilient Europe with his representation. Among his supporters are cabinet ministers, parliamentarians, and other prominent figures who recognize his dedication to public service and his commitment to strengthening security and crisis readiness. Their endorsement underscores Mika’s broad appeal and the confidence that key leaders have in his ability to represent Finland’s interests at the European Parliament.