class=”sc-3778e872-0 cKDKQr”>
In the rest of Europe not many people were interested in Finnish heads of government in the past – then came Sanna Marin (37). As a young, charismatic Prime Minister, the Social Democrat has become one of the most sought-after politicians in the EU. Nevertheless, it is completely open whether she can continue to rule in NATO candidate country Finland after the upcoming parliamentary elections.
Three parties stand a good chance of becoming the strongest force in parliament. The conservative National Coalition Party, the Marin Social Democrats and the right-wing populist party The Finns are nearly neck and neck in the polls, with the Conservatives led by ex-finance minister and opposition leader Petteri Orpo only marginally ahead. “Each of them can be the first,” says political scientist Juhana Aunesluoma of the University of Helsinki. “They are so close together that it is impossible to predict the outcome.”
Corona crisis, war in Ukraine
In the last parliamentary elections in 2019, the three parties were less than a percentage point apart. The Social Democrats narrowly won the election under Marin’s predecessor, Antti Rinne. However, Rinne resigned after just under six months in a dispute with the main coalition partner, the Center Party. The centre-left coalition of five parties remained intact. However, as of now, it was led by the previous Minister of Transport and Communications, Sanna Marin. The then youngest head of government in the world headed a government dominated by women.
Marin, now 37 and prime minister for more than three years, has since guided Finland through a difficult time. First came the Corona crisis, then the Ukraine war in neighboring Russia, to which Finland borders no less than 1,340 kilometers. As a result of the war, Finland decided to apply for NATO membership. Following Hungary’s yes on Monday and Turkey’s announced yes, NATO entry is imminent, right after decades of military non-alignment.
“Your leadership is greatly appreciated”
Marin recently re-emphasized in parliament that Finland has made historic decisions and overcome major crises during her tenure. “We have experienced extraordinary times during the tenure of this government,” she said. Nevertheless, 90 percent of the goals of the government program have been achieved.
Professor of Political Science Aunesluoma testifies to her good work. “It has actually been crisis management for three years and I think most people in Finland think the government has done a really good job – especially Sanna Marin personally,” he told SDA news agency. “Your leadership is greatly appreciated.”
Coalition between conservatives and social democrats?
Accession to NATO played no role in the election campaign. The consensus on this is extremely high among the population, the media, experts and the parties, says Aunesluoma – so great that it was hardly possible to score points against the political opponents.
On the contrary, domestic political issues were more important, such as state finances, basic and social services, ageing, healthcare and education. “It’s actually an election about the Finnish welfare state,” says Aunesluoma. There is a feeling that this system has structural problems.
Marin closed the door to cooperation with the Finnish party, says economist and election expert Juha Tervala. As a result, the Conservatives are in the comfortable position of having virtually no escape when it comes to forming a government. Ultimately, Tervala believes it could result in a grand coalition between Orpo’s Conservatives and Marin’s Social Democrats, merging with several smaller parties for a majority. (SDA)
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
