Friday 13.6.2025 has been a historical day for the Christian Democrats. For the first time, there are two ministers from the Christian Democrats in the government at the same time. Christian Democrat MP Mika Poutala has been appointed the Minister of Youth, Sport and Physical Activity.

A former top speedskater, Olympic athlete and entrepreneur, he brings unique experience and passion for supporting young people and sport to his ministerial role. Poutala is familiar to many Finns not only from the ice rink but also from the political arena — he is serving his second term as a city councillor in Espoo and is currently a Member of Parliament for Uusimaa.

You can find out more about Mika Poutala on his website and Facebook page.

Minister Poutala appointed Toni Ahva, Master of Social Sciences, and Annika Lyytikäinen, Master of Music and Bachelor of Business Administration, as his special advisers. Both took up their posts on 13.6.

Ahva will be responsible for sports and physical activity policy in the minister’s office. He joins the ministry from the Finnish Olympic Committee, where he served as public relations manager. Lyytikäinen will be responsible for youth policy and student financial aid as the minister’s special advisor. She joins the ministry from the Parliament, where she served as an advisor to Mika Poutala.