A vote of no confidence in the government protest march moved from Senate Square to Parliament House in Helsinki on 18 May 2025. The demonstrators voiced concerns over cuts to social security and public services, tightening of immigration laws, insufficient climate action, and reductions in funding for culture, science, and civil society. Photo: Roni Rekomaa / Lehtikuva
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Thousands of demonstrators gathered in central Helsinki on Sunday to protest the Finnish government’s social welfare cuts and fiscal priorities. The protest, organised under the name “Vote of No Confidence,” saw an estimated 4,000 people gather at Senate Square before marching to the Parliament House.
The demonstration was part of a coordinated action, with similar protests taking place in Oulu and Kuopio. Participants included teachers, students, cultural sector workers and healthcare professionals.
Organisers said the protest was a response to budget cuts affecting basic social security, perceived benefits for high-income earners, and policies seen as discriminatory.
A temporary video booth was erected at Senate Square, where individuals recorded their personal “votes of no confidence” addressed to the government.
Sarianna Pylkkänen, one of the protest’s organisers and a musician, said the government was not providing the conditions necessary for people to live safe and healthy lives.
“I believe everyone should have the opportunity to live securely, healthily and to develop their potential,” she said. “The current government is not making that possible.”
She addressed Prime Minister Petteri Orpo directly.
“Petteri – I want to say from the bottom of my heart that I do this out of love for people and the planet. I hope you can find the empathy and courage to admit that we must change direction. We can’t live like this. We don’t have the re
Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
