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Finland's Sanna Marin Concedes Election to Nationalist Party
Sanna Marin's government has been plagued by criticism over lavish spending on pensions and education. The pro-business NCP was expected to win 48 of the 200 seats in parliament, narrowly ahead of the nationalist Finns Party with 46 seats.
Marin, who became the world's youngest prime minister at just 34 when she took office in 2019, acknowledged her party's defeat, vowing to "fix Finland" and its economy. The NCP's main goal is to reduce immigration from developing countries outside the European Union, a stance it shares with Marin's Social Democrats.
The Finns Party has been gaining support for almost two years, but its lead had melted away in recent months. It promises to curb spending and stop the rise of public debt, which has reached just over 70% of GDP since Marin took office.
Nationalist leader Petteri Orpo declared victory, saying his party had gained a "biggest mandate" to address Finland's economic woes. He vowed to negotiate with all groups to obtain a majority in parliament, while Marin stated that her Social Democrats may govern with the NCP but will not go into government with the Finns Party.
Marin was criticized for her partying and public spending during her campaign, and some saw her as a millennial role model. However, she also gained popularity among young moderates who supported her progressive policies.
The Finns Party's main goal is to reduce what leader Riikka Purra calls "harmful" immigration from developing countries outside the EU, which has been a contentious issue in Finland.
Sanna Marin's government has been plagued by criticism over lavish spending on pensions and education. The pro-business NCP was expected to win 48 of the 200 seats in parliament, narrowly ahead of the nationalist Finns Party with 46 seats.
Marin, who became the world's youngest prime minister at just 34 when she took office in 2019, acknowledged her party's defeat, vowing to "fix Finland" and its economy. The NCP's main goal is to reduce immigration from developing countries outside the European Union, a stance it shares with Marin's Social Democrats.
The Finns Party has been gaining support for almost two years, but its lead had melted away in recent months. It promises to curb spending and stop the rise of public debt, which has reached just over 70% of GDP since Marin took office.
Nationalist leader Petteri Orpo declared victory, saying his party had gained a "biggest mandate" to address Finland's economic woes. He vowed to negotiate with all groups to obtain a majority in parliament, while Marin stated that her Social Democrats may govern with the NCP but will not go into government with the Finns Party.
Marin was criticized for her partying and public spending during her campaign, and some saw her as a millennial role model. However, she also gained popularity among young moderates who supported her progressive policies.
The Finns Party's main goal is to reduce what leader Riikka Purra calls "harmful" immigration from developing countries outside the EU, which has been a contentious issue in Finland.