Finance ministry aide calls for cuts to housing benefits, foreign aid

Jussi Lindgren, economic policy special adviser to Finance Minister Riikka Purra, has emerged as one of the most influential behind-the-scenes figures in Finland’s government, according to a profile published by Yle.

Lindgren, a doctor of technology with a master’s in economics from the University of Helsinki, describes himself as a “servant” to his superiors who enjoys provocation. He has proposed cuts to housing benefits, development aid, and social security to address an estimated €8–11 billion in austerity needs for the next term.

On social media, Lindgren has floated controversial ideas, including cognitive tests for immigrants as a condition for residency. He argues that unchecked immigration poses a long-term threat to Finland’s economic stability and cultural cohesion.

While he supports market-driven solutions, Lindgren defends a strong public sector role in areas like defense, healthcare, and infrastructure, citing the high costs of privatized systems like in the US. He opposes tax hikes, noting Finland already has one of the world’s highest tax burdens alongside stagnant growth.

Lindgren, born in 1982 in Kuopio, worked in the civil service before joining the Finns Party, drawn by its “common-sense” approach and immigration stance. He previously held membership in the National Coalition Party and ran for local office under the Social Democrats in 2008.