Why Has Finland’s Far Right Collapsed?

Summary

The rise of right-wing populism in Europe, particularly through Finland's Finn's party, has been a significant political development. Despite a strong showing in the 2023 elections, the Finn's party has seen a steep decline in support due to austerity measures introduced by the coalition government, led by Finn's leader Raapura. Cuts to social services, healthcare, and employment benefits have alienated their working-class base. Meanwhile, the Finnish left has gained ground, with the Social Democrats leading in recent elections. The shift from opposition to governing has proven challenging for the populist Finn's party, which now faces significant backlash.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Finn's Party in Finland has experienced a significant decline in support after joining the coalition government in 2023.
• 😀 The party, which secured its best-ever result in the 2023 parliamentary election, has suffered heavy losses in recent polls and elections.
• 😀 Austerity measures introduced by the coalition government, including cuts to healthcare and social services, have negatively impacted the Finn's Party's popularity.
• 😀 Finance Minister Riikka Purra's controversial approach to austerity, including images of herself holding scissors and chopping boards, has sparked backlash from voters.
• 😀 The Finn's Party, once considered a working-class party, has seen its support erode, especially among trade union members, following labor market reforms and weakened employment rights.
• 😀 Voters supporting the Finn's Party are more likely to feel the effects of austerity, as they are generally from lower-income brackets, unlike the National Coalition Party (NCP) voters.
• 😀 The NCP, the main governing party, has seen steady support, while the Finn's Party has collapsed in polls, due to differing voter bases and the impact of austerity on the Finn's supporters.
• 😀 The Finn's Party has been marred by scandals, including racism controversies, which have further hurt its image in the public eye.
• 😀 Despite the government's aim to stabilize public debt and grow the economy, Finland is facing stagnation, with rising unemployment and a growing debt ratio.
• 😀 The political landscape in Finland is shifting, with the Social Democrats and the Left Alliance gaining traction, leading the polls in municipal and county elections.
• 😀 The transition of the Finn's Party from an anti-establishment opposition group to a governing party has caused a loss of appeal, and this shift is affecting its support base.

Q & A

Why has the Finns Party seen a decline in popularity since joining the coalition government in 2023?

The decline in popularity is largely due to the austerity measures introduced by the government, which have negatively impacted the working-class voters who traditionally supported the Finns Party. These measures, including cuts to healthcare, social security, and other public services, have been particularly unpopular among the party's base.

What was the Finns Party's role in the Finnish government after the 2023 elections?

After the 2023 elections, the Finns Party became part of a coalition government with the National Coalition Party (NCP) and two smaller parties. They were allocated seven out of 19 ministerial posts, with the leader, Riikka Purra, taking on the role of finance minister.

What austerity measures have been implemented by the Finnish government?

The Finnish government, under the Finns Party's leadership in the finance ministry, has pushed for a 4 billion euro cut in public spending by 2027. This includes cuts to healthcare, social security, unemployment benefits, housing benefits, and education, among others.

How did Riikka Purra's communication style contribute to the backlash against the austerity measures?

Riikka Purra's communication, particularly her social media posts celebrating austerity measures with images of wooden chopping boards and scissors, came across as gleeful and tone-deaf. This alienated many voters who were directly affected by the cuts, especially in the working class.

Why are the Finns Party's supporters more likely to be affected by austerity measures than the NCP's supporters?

The Finns Party's supporters are generally from working-class backgrounds, with a higher proportion of them in lower-income brackets. They are more likely to feel the impact of austerity measures, such as cuts to public services, compared to the wealthier, more business-oriented NCP supporters.

What historical event contributed to the Finns Party's initial rise and later decline?

The Finns Party initially rose to prominence as an anti-establishment party, but their decline began when they joined the government in 2015 and supported austerity measures. This led to a dramatic drop in support, though they later recovered after a leadership change and party split.

How has the Finns Party's stance on labor market reforms affected its relationship with trade unions?

The Finns Party's labor market reforms, including weakening employment rights and scrapping tax deductibility for union membership fees, have strained its relationship with trade unions. The party's actions have led to a significant drop in support from union members, from 24% to just 10% in a year.

How has the political landscape in Finland shifted since the Finns Party entered government?

Since the Finns Party entered government, left-wing parties such as the Social Democrats have gained support, benefiting from discontent with austerity measures. The Social Democrats are now leading in polls and have won key elections, while the once-powerful center party is also seeing a rise in support.

What role did the Finnish economy play in the Finns Party's decline?

The Finnish economy, despite the government's efforts to stabilize it, has struggled with rising unemployment, increasing public debt, and slow recovery. These economic challenges, coupled with austerity measures, have contributed to the Finns Party's declining support, as the party is responsible for economic policy.

How does the Finns Party's shift from anti-establishment to government position reflect the challenges populist parties face?

The shift from an anti-establishment opposition party to a governing party highlights the difficulties populist movements face when they must make compromises in government. Promises made during opposition campaigns, such as resisting austerity, often clash with the practical realities of governing, leading to disillusionment among their supporters.