Finland's Prime Minister Sanna Marin has conceded defeat in the country's parliamentary election, marking a significant shift for her left-wing government. The opposition National Coalition Party (NCP), led by Petteri Orpo, has claimed victory, with their leader vowing to "fix Finland" and its economy.
The NCP won 48 seats in parliament, narrowly ahead of the nationalist Finns Party with 46 seats, while Marin's Social Democrats secured 43 seats. The results show a significant increase for the NCP, which had been polling behind Marin's party but maintained a narrow lead over the Finns Party in recent months.
Orpo has promised to curb spending and stop the rise of public debt, which has reached just over 70% of GDP since Marin took office in 2019. He will now get the first chance at forming a coalition to obtain a majority in parliament.
Marin's government has faced criticism for its handling of several issues, including her partying lifestyle and the high level of public spending. The Prime Minister herself acknowledged that while she has gained support and seats in parliament, it was not enough to secure victory.
The NCP's victory marks a significant shift to the right in Finnish politics, with Orpo vowing to address the country's economic woes. Marin's government, on the other hand, will continue to govern under the condition of coalition talks with the NCP.
Marin's tenure as Prime Minister has been marked by several notable foreign policy actions, including her push for NATO membership following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The process is now almost complete, with Helsinki expected to join within days after all Western defense alliance members approved the accession.
As Finland's youngest ever Prime Minister when she took office in 2019, Marin remains a popular figure among many Finns, particularly young moderates. However, her government has faced criticism for its handling of sensitive issues, including immigration and public spending.
The NCP won 48 seats in parliament, narrowly ahead of the nationalist Finns Party with 46 seats, while Marin's Social Democrats secured 43 seats. The results show a significant increase for the NCP, which had been polling behind Marin's party but maintained a narrow lead over the Finns Party in recent months.
Orpo has promised to curb spending and stop the rise of public debt, which has reached just over 70% of GDP since Marin took office in 2019. He will now get the first chance at forming a coalition to obtain a majority in parliament.
Marin's government has faced criticism for its handling of several issues, including her partying lifestyle and the high level of public spending. The Prime Minister herself acknowledged that while she has gained support and seats in parliament, it was not enough to secure victory.
The NCP's victory marks a significant shift to the right in Finnish politics, with Orpo vowing to address the country's economic woes. Marin's government, on the other hand, will continue to govern under the condition of coalition talks with the NCP.
Marin's tenure as Prime Minister has been marked by several notable foreign policy actions, including her push for NATO membership following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The process is now almost complete, with Helsinki expected to join within days after all Western defense alliance members approved the accession.
As Finland's youngest ever Prime Minister when she took office in 2019, Marin remains a popular figure among many Finns, particularly young moderates. However, her government has faced criticism for its handling of sensitive issues, including immigration and public spending.