Finance Minister and leader of the Center Party Katri Kulmuni spent nearly 50,000 euros from taxpayers to pay a "communications consultant" that trained her to succeed in her speeches, interviews and in public appearances.
According to Suomen Kuvalehti, since last August the company, Tekir Oy charged 47,771 euros -including VAT- to the two ministries that Kulmuni headed in this period: the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment and the Ministry of Finance.
The Minister was often coached by the consultant Harri Saukkomaa, who charges 700 euros per hour (plus VAT) for his services.
When asked why the bills were charged to the Government and not to her party (Keskusta, in Finnish), the minister said that: "I have a public office and I try to do my best. But I have needed help to improve confidence in the appearances, and I have received it."
Rinne's resignation
From June to December 2019, Katri Kulmuni was the Minister of Economic Affairs and Employment in the coalition Government headed by Antti Rinne. The then leader of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) was forced to resign in December precisely as a result of a statement by Kulmuni saying that she had lost confidence in the prime minister.
According to Suomen Kuvalehti, Kulmuni also used Tekiri's coaching on December 3, the day when Rinne resigned as prime minister.
In December 2019, Kulmuni was appointed Minister of Finance in the government headed by Sanna Marin.
On December 31, the Ministry of Finance led by Katri Kulmuni organized an anniversary themed party for 308 officials at the Sokos Hotel Presidentti, in the center of Helsinki. Party theme was "The Great Gatsby" and the cost was 21,626 euros.
