Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo. LEHTIKUVA
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More than half of Finns oppose the spending cuts introduced by Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s government, according to a poll conducted by Helsingin Sanomat. The survey found that 54% of respondents believe the austerity measures have been wrong, while 33% view them as necessary to address Finland’s economic challenges.
The government, led by the centre-right National Coalition Party (NCP), has implemented spending reductions and increased value-added tax (VAT) rates as part of a €9 billion fiscal adjustment plan.
These measures include €5–6 billion in direct cuts, aimed at stabilising public finances by the end of the parliamentary term.
The poll, carried out by Verian, interviewed over 1,000 mainland Finns in December and has a margin of error of 3.1 percentage points.
More cuts possible
Despite pledging earlier this week that no major new cuts are planned, Petteri Orpo said in an interview with Yle Radio that additional measures amounting to “hundreds of millions” might still be necessary. He cited unexpected expenses related to regional healthcare funding and Finland’s evolving security needs.
Orpo stated that the financial situation in Finland’s newly established wellbeing services counties has improved due to internal cost-saving efforts but acknowledged that long-term challenges remain.
“The government remains committed to stabilising the debt-to-GDP ratio,” said Finance Minister Riikka Purra, echoing Orpo’s comments. She expressed hope that no further cuts will be required during the government’s spring mid-term review but noted that new fiscal decisions will depend on whether the debt target is on track.
“Unexpected expenses in public finances, such as security-related costs or additional regional funding needs, may still require further action,” Purra told MTV News.
The austerity measures have faced backlash from unions, opposition parties, and the public, with critics warning that cuts to essential services could harm vulnerable groups and hinder economic recovery.
Finns Party member Riikka Purra, whose party is part of Orpo’s coalition, emphasised the importance of maintaining fiscal discipline despite the criticism.
The survey also highlighted a divide in public opinion, with the strongest support for the cuts coming from Orpo’s National Coalition Party voters. However, opposition was widespread among supporters of left-leaning and centrist parties.
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
