Finland needs to restore trust
SDP wants to restore people’s trust in the future and lay a sustainable foundation for prosperity. Our goal is an ecologically, socially and economically sustainable and carbon-neutral welfare state.
In recent years, the world has been in turmoil, and Finns’ faith in the future has been tested in many ways. The security policy situation has become more unstable, and Finland’s economic situation has deteriorated considerably during the current government term. Finland has the highest unemployment rate in Europe, and the Orpo-Purra Government has failed to manage the economy responsibly. The Government’s decisions have favoured those who already have the most, while those in the low and middle-income groups and the disadvantaged have paid the price for the Government’s failed economic policy.
Under the Orpo-Purra Government, Finland has accumulated more debt than under any previous government. The labour market has been developed unilaterally in line with employers’ wishes, and scissors have been taken to the safety net of the Finnish welfare state. Everyday costs have risen, and many people are wondering how to make ends meet.
SDP’s recipe for restoring trust is clear: an equitable economy, fair working life, strong basic services and equal opportunities. Our mission is to safeguard the welfare state, strengthen the security of Finland and Finns, and combat climate change and biodiversity loss. We are working for the whole of Finland and for a better future. Now is the time of the ordinary Finn.
Fair growth in Finland
The outcome of the Orpo-Purra Government’s immiserating policies is visible in the daily lives of Finns and in Finland’s economy. SDP is committed to bringing down the highest unemployment rate in Europe, putting a stop to the accumulation of debt and boosting growth. The most important thing now is for Finland to take decisive action to break down barriers to growth and restore people’s trust.
Strong economic growth is a way to safeguard the services of the welfare state. Investments in wellbeing, education and innovation will pay off. Finland must be the best possible country in which to start a business, and businesses must be given opportunities to grow and expand their operations throughout the country. Safeguarding the welfare state also requires that as many people as possible participate in the workforce according to their own abilities and resources.
Economic growth must be ecologically sustainable, and its benefits must also extend to workers. SDP will not compromise on the goal of achieving carbon neutrality in Finland by 2035, as the future of Finland’s growth lies in technological development and green investments. Policies must consistently pave a clear path to the future and strengthen trust.
Working life must always be fair, and the labour market must be developed in cooperation between employers and workers. Strong workers’ rights protect society as a whole. Labour exploitation needs to be addressed with more robust action. Unfair practices harm those who are exploited and workers who are not hired as a result, as well as honest entrepreneurs. Exploitation has no place in Finnish working life.
The security of Finland and the Finnish people must not be compromised
The increasingly unstable global situation poses a challenge to the structures of international cooperation and contractual relations, on which Finland has also relied in its actions. The war in Europe in particular is causing fear and concern.
Because of its history, Finland is also well-prepared in times of peace, with significant armed forces and a strong spirit of national defence. Credible national defence requires investments. Finland must be an active player in foreign and security policy and defence, and we must strengthen our partnerships.
Security also includes the feeling that everything will be alright: everyday life is safe in all residential areas, society and its institutions can be trusted, and my loved ones and I have access to the care and treatment we need. Everyday security is about trust in the future and in everyone being able to pursue their dreams and live as they see fit.
We must fight organised crime and ensure that we have sufficient capability to combat new forms of crime.
Finland’s strength lies in social integrity: cohesion, trust and the ability to work together. This integrity must be defended. A cohesive society is strong and able to withstand various crises and emergencies. Reducing inequalities also contributes to economic sustainability and strengthening prosperity.
Finland must take a leap in presence
Learning outcomes have declined, and increased use of social media and harmful and addictive algorithms have reduced wellbeing. Moreover, many people suffer from loneliness. After the digital leap, it is time for Finland to take a leap in presence. Inclusion, presence and direct human interaction must be strengthened at all stages of life, but with a particular focus on children and young people.
Education for learners in compulsory education needs to focus on contact teaching and full school days. The main objective for the next few years is to strengthen literacy and other basic skills. The 12-year compulsory education must provide a broad general education to ensure that everyone has a strong foundation for further studies. Education and training must provide the keys to coping and succeeding in working life in a changing society. In the midst of rapid societal change, schools need to teach critical thinking and responsible use of artificial intelligence, for example.
Well-functioning and equal services are the foundation of the welfare state
Everyone must be able to trust that the Finnish welfare state will provide security when they need it. Finland should not be built only for the wealthiest, as the Orpo-Purra Government has done.
Regional differences and differences between population groups in terms of wellbeing and health, as well as social inequalities, must be reduced. Wide-scale cost-cutting measures have undermined the rights of vulnerable people in particular. Equality is promoted by investing in high-quality social welfare and healthcare services. The availability and accessibility of social welfare services must be strengthened. Social work is in need of development and resources. Support for and preventive work with children, young people and adults who have many needs and who are at risk of social exclusion requires seamless, multidisciplinary cooperation.
Any problems with access to information that subsequently hamper cooperation must be removed. Legislation must be evaluated and developed to meet changing service needs. For many people, the increasingly complex nature of society is an insurmountable jungle of obstacles. There is a need for help and support, and they are in the best interests of individuals and society as a whole. Inclusion must be persistently strengthened to allow everyone to live with dignity and to prevent the increase of social exclusion.
In healthcare services, the focus must be shifted from demanding specialised medical care to preventive support and easily accessible primary healthcare services. Patients must be able to access care within two weeks, including in mental health services. Care must be organised based on the personal doctor and personal nurse model. This will help speed up access to care, improve the continuity of care and facilitate flexible, customer-oriented use of services.
Every Finn must be able to trust that they can access care when they need it. Everyone has the right to a dignified and humane old age, and this should not be compromised. Equal services increase prosperity and stability.
Finland needs a change of direction
Prime Minister Orpo promised that no unreasonable demands would be made of anyone. Yet the combined effects of the cuts particularly affect families with children, single parents, young people, students and people living alone. The Government sought to strengthen the wellbeing of families, but the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health estimates that an additional 31,000 children now fall below the low-income threshold. The Government’s aim was to halve the number of recipients of social assistance, but instead their number has started to rise. Homelessness is also on the rise for the first time in years.
Finland cannot afford the Orpo-Purra Government’s policies, which increase unemployment and debt and build a society only for the most advantaged. Finland does not need any more wasted years. Finns deserve better. Finland needs a change of direction, because everything can be done more fairly.