Laura Huhtasaari’s exit leaves major gap for Finns Party in Satakunta

Laura Huhtasaari, former deputy chair of the Finns Party and a sitting MP, will not stand in next spring’s parliamentary elections, creating a significant challenge for the party in the Satakunta constituency, Yle reports.

“It is a major loss, there’s no denying it,” said Jouko Lindstedt, the district chair, noting that while the decision came as no surprise, it was not officially known in advance.

Huhtasaari first entered parliament in 2015 and has twice been the top vote-getter in Satakunta, most recently with 8,393 votes. Known for her hardline stance against immigration and the EU, as well as her admiration for Donald Trump, her popularity in the region has endured despite controversies, including a disputed doctoral thesis and opposition to evolution theory.

Her absence from recent parliamentary sessions has been noted, with local media reporting on her frequent non-attendance. Yle was unable to reach Huhtasaari for comment, but personal circumstances are understood to be behind her decision.

Her departure poses a strategic problem for the Finns Party, both locally and nationally. In the last election, the party won 26.6% of the vote in Satakunta, with Huhtasaari accounting for over a quarter of that support. Securing three seats in the small constituency will now be extremely difficult without her, and even retaining two could be tight if the party’s support does not rebound.

Her ability to draw votes from across the region and mobilise otherwise disengaged supporters has been a key asset. Her exit strengthens the prospects of the Social Democrats, Left Alliance, and National Coalition in Satakunta.

Nationally, opinion polls suggest the Centre Party may benefit most, as it competes closely with the Finns Party for third place. With the parliamentary balance potentially tight after the April vote, even a single seat could prove decisive.