Finland could have its first leftist premier in two decades
Voters worry about welfare system and care for ageing population
Helsinki — Finland may usher in its first leftist prime minister in two decades in a parliamentary election, as voters fret over the future of the generous welfare system as the costs of caring for a rapidly ageing population rise. But if opinion polls are correct, the left-leaning Social Democrats’ ability to govern may be hampered by a surge in support for the nationalist Finns Party, riding a wave of anti-immigrant sentiment sweeping the Nordics. A survey commissioned by public broadcaster Yle showed the Social Democrats could win top spot with 19% of the vote, giving leader Antti Rinne first shot at forming a government. The Finns are running second with 16.3% support, after scoring rapid gains since the start of 2019 the year when cases of sexual abuse of minors by foreign men emerged. Finns Party leader Jussi Halla-aho, 47, cast his vote near his home in Eira, one of Helsinki’s most expensive neighbourhoods. “As you probably know we have doubled our support in opinion poll...
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