Minister of Youth, Sport and Physical Activity Mika Poutala

Christian Democrats in Finland

Ministry of Education and Culture

Minister of Youth, Sport and Physical Activity Poutala is responsible for matters covered by the Department of Youth and Sport Policy, including matters related to student financial aid.

Profile

Mika Poutala was elected to Parliament from the Uusimaa electoral district in 2023. He serves as the First Vice-Chair of the Christian Democrats in Finland.

Before his political career, Poutala was known as a successful speed skater. He competed in four Olympic Games, achieving his best result with a fourth-place finish at the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics in 2018. That same year, he also won silver at the European Championships in the 500-metre race and in the team sprint.

After retiring from competitive sports, Poutala worked as an entrepreneur and professional speaker. He has focused on developing his expertise in social media, wellbeing and influencer communications. He has also served on the board of the Finnish Olympic Committee.

In his free time, Poutala enjoys running, cycling to work, and working with wood and leather. He lives with his wife and their three children.