Finland: Political Developments and Data in 2024

Abstract Government-opposition confrontation intensified in Finland in 2024, with major reforms to welfare, labour and immigration policy introduced and passed through to legislation. The first half was marked by presidential and European elections. The tight race between two internationally known candidates, Alexander Stubb from the National Coalition Party/ Kokoomus (KOK) and the Green politician Pekka Haavisto, in this decreasingly semi-presidential political system, was won by the liberal European Trans-Atlanticist Iron Man Stubb. The European elections were also won by KOK to the European People's Party on the theme of national security, and surprise results also brought three seats to the Left Alliance/ Vasemmistoliitto . While the Social Democratic Party/ Suomen Sosialidemokraattinen puolue only secured two seats, they led the polls by the end of 2024. The austerity measures made the Orpo I (KOK) government unpopular but mainstreamed the main junior partner Finns Party/ Perussuomalaiset ’s anti-migrant, welfare-chauvinist agenda despite their declining support.