class=”sc-3778e872-0 cKDKQr”>
Finns have been named the happiest people in the world for the sixth time, according to the World Happiness Report. However, the Finns themselves are not exactly sure why. They’ve also been high on the table when it comes to the suicide rate for years.
It is also a mystery to many Finns why their Social Democratic Prime Minister Sanna Marin (37) is so admired. In fact, Marin is seen as a dazzling and successful head of government mainly abroad, but less so domestically.
There are elections in Finland on Sunday. It’s the day of reckoning: Sanna Marin is in danger of being voted out. In January, Iltalehti political commentator Lauri Nurmi, 42, told Blick she had only a 20 percent chance of being re-elected.
Debts increased enormously
Many Finns have criticized Marin for the fact that international fame has gone to her head. She preferred to be photographed as a superstar – in a leather jacket or with a plunging neckline, for example – than worry about the problems in Finland. The national debt has increased by 35 billion euros to 177 billion euros since 2019, partly due to Corona and the war in Ukraine.
Sanna Marin, who entered politics immediately after graduating in public administration, has been accused of not having a plan to restructure finances and to delegate important matters to her ministers. There are tensions in her five-party government coalition with ten female and nine male ministers. It is because of the threat of the Russian war that the government has always been able to pull itself together.
Marin’s slide began when a video leaked showing the prime minister happily dancing with friends. The world celebrated her for it, but the Finns themselves had the wrong view of the video. A drug test came back negative, but it was revealed that no official replacement had been arranged for her that day.
Conservatives announce cuts
“Social Democrats’ policies are currently strongly geared towards Sanna Marin,” Finnish political scientist Hanna Wass, 45, of the University of Helsinki, told SonntagsBlick. “She has taken a rather progressive course on economic policy, which has put some conservative voters off.”
One of the main themes in the Finnish election campaign is financial restructuring. That means that the leader of the conservative party (Kok) and possibly future prime minister Petteri Orpo (53) is in the race. Hanna Wass: “The austerity policy will gain the upper hand, especially if there is a government coalition between the Kok and the Finnish party.” Their primary goal is to reduce the deficit and debt, and a tax increase is out of the question for these parties.
Other themes in the election campaign are energy independence, social and health issues, education, childcare and elderly care. Climate change, environmental protection, immigration, cultural and sports services have faded into the background. Practically not an issue at all, although fundamental: joining NATO. He is undisputed from left to right, in the 200-strong parliament, 184 MPs voted in favor and only 7 against. The dissenting voices came from communist circles.
Finland’s image would change
In recent weeks, Marin’s Social Democrats (SDP) have made up in the polls in the latest election rush. But mainly because the still leading Kok has lost votes to the right-wing Finnish party. The poll values just before election day: Kok 20.5 percent, SDP 19.5 percent, Finns Party 19.2. The race will be very close!
Sunday is reckoning day. Many Finns want to change course. Externally, however, hardly anything would change politically, not even with a new government. “Finland will remain a member of the EU and NATO and will fulfill all associated obligations,” said Wass.
According to the political scientist, only one thing will change internationally if Marin is voted out: the image of the country. “Finland would no longer be seen as progressive and interesting as it is now.”
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.
