Lappi braces for fierce election battle as healthcare cuts split parties from within

Lapland faces an unpredictable parliamentary election campaign as deep divisions over social and healthcare cuts fracture parties from within.

Residents in the region’s coastal areas, particularly angered by cuts to services including the West Lapland Hospital, are expected to play a decisive role in next spring’s vote, according to political analysts.

The criticism has centered on Social Affairs and Health Minister Kaisa Juuso of the Finns Party, who has faced backlash over her support for austerity measures while serving on the regional welfare council. Her decision not to seek re-election has amplified local frustration.

Analysts based their assessment on discussions with about twenty political actors in the region. They warn that deteriorating social and healthcare services—such as hospital closures, reduced geriatric care, and shrinking inpatient wards—are likely to influence voting behavior.

Other contentious local issues include mining projects, pumped-storage power plants, and rising tuition fees for international students threatening small high schools.

Finns Party faces uphill battle to retain two seats

The Finns Party, which became Lapland’s largest party in the last election by surpassing the Centre Party and securing two seats, now faces a tougher challenge. Analysts say its support may decline, especially in the coastal region, where anger over hospital cuts has been directed at Juuso and other candidates who backed the reductions.

Rovaniemi candidate Sara Seppänen, who emerged as a standout performer in the last election, remains a strong contender. Party leaders may also point to infrastructure projects such as railway and road initiatives as achievements under government responsibility.

Centre Party weighs Katri Kulmuni’s candidacy

The Centre Party won two seats in the last election and is expected to hold them, with speculation growing over whether former MEP Katri Kulmuni will run again. She has not yet announced her decision, which is expected this summer.

If Kulmuni does not run, the party’s success in the coastal region may hinge on whether votes concentrate behind a single candidate. Potential contenders include Outi Keinänen, known for her advocacy on hospital issues, and Olli Rainio, an aide to incumbent MP Markus Lohi.

Lohi, who supported hospital cuts and the removal of patient choice in the regional council, risks losing votes in the coastal area despite a loyal base.

Social Democrats face internal competition

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) won one seat in the last election and is unlikely to gain a second, though strong candidates remain. Rovaniemi MP Johanna Ojala-Niemelä, who supported hospital cuts, may see reduced support in the coastal region.

Mikkel Näkkäläjärvi, an SDP party secretary from Inari, posted strong results in the last election but faces scrutiny over prior convictions for animal cruelty and drunk driving. Viivi Järvelä, from Kemi, could rise in the party ranks if she consolidates votes from the SDP and Left Alliance in the coastal area.

Left Alliance lacks prominent leader

The Left Alliance lost its sole parliamentary seat in Lapland in the last election and faces similar challenges this time. The party’s lack of a high-profile candidate remains a key obstacle.