Mikko Polvinen, a Finnish Member of Parliament, has recently shifted his allegiance from the Finns Party to the Center Party, igniting a competitive atmosphere in the Oulu election district. The Center Party has disclosed plans to introduce 14 candidates for next year’s elections, including several incumbents such as Hanna-Leena Mattila, Timo Mehtälä, and Olga Oinas-Panuma. The party's announcement emphasizes its strategy to remain the dominant political force in the Oulu region.

The Center Party aims to increase its parliamentary representation in the Oulu district, where competition is intensifying following Polvinen's defection. The party's communications indicate a determined effort to reclaim the position of the leading party within the district and to potentially transition into the role of the governing party in Finland. The shift comes against the backdrop of Polvinen's recent disciplinary actions within the Finns Party, which were discussed in connection with his defection.

This shift in political alliances and the ensuing electoral strategy are significant for the Center Party’s ambitions moving forward. As they prepare for the elections and adapt to the new political landscape created by defections and shifts in party support, the Center Party is poised to reflect on its broader implications on Finnish politics and its efforts to regain the confidence of its voter base. These developments coincide with an evolving parliamentary composition and challenge the status quo in the Oulu electoral scene.