Finland's left-wing Prime Minister Sanna Marin conceded defeat on Sunday following the Nordic country’s parliamentary election. The opposition right-wing National Coalition Party (NCP) claimed victory in a tightly fought contest, setting the stage for a new government.
With all ballots counted, the pro-business NCP was projected to secure 48 of the 200 seats in parliament. The nationalist Finns Party followed closely with 46 seats, while Marin’s Social Democrats garnered 43 seats, according to justice ministry election data.
NCP leader Petteri Orpo addressed his supporters, stating, “We got the biggest mandate.” He pledged to “fix Finland” and its economy, indicating he would receive the first opportunity to form a coalition government to achieve a parliamentary majority. This outcome is expected to mark the end of Marin's tenure as prime minister.
Despite the defeat, Prime Minister Marin, speaking to her party members, noted an increase in support for the Social Democrats. “We have gained support, we have gained more seats (in parliament). That’s an excellent achievement, even if we did not finish first today,” she remarked.
Marin, 37, who became the world’s youngest prime minister upon taking office in 2019, has been celebrated globally as a millennial role model for progressive leadership. However, domestically, she has faced criticism regarding her social activities and her government’s public spending.
The NCP had maintained a lead in polls for nearly two years, though its advantage had diminished in recent months. The party has committed to curbing spending and halting the rise of public debt, which has climbed to just over 70% of GDP since Marin assumed office in 2019. Orpo has accused Marin of weakening Finland’s economic resilience, particularly as Europe grapples with an energy crisis exacerbated by Russia’s war in Ukraine and a rising cost of living.
Looking ahead to coalition formation, Orpo stated his intention to negotiate with all parliamentary groups to secure a majority. Marin, for her part, has indicated that her Social Democrats might collaborate with the NCP but would not enter a government alongside the Finns Party. Marin had previously described the Finns Party as “openly racist” during a debate in January, an accusation the nationalist group rejected.
The Finns Party's primary objective is to reduce what its leader, Riikka Purra, termed “harmful” immigration from developing countries outside the European Union. The party also advocates for austerity measures to control deficit spending, a position it shares with the NCP.
In other national news, Finland’s process to join NATO is nearing completion. Helsinki is expected to become a member within days, following approval from all 30 members of the Western defense alliance.
