Expert urges Finnish parties to compromise on economic policy

Political parties should be more open to compromise over how Finland makes the estimated 8 to 11 billion euros in fiscal adjustments during the next parliamentary term, Yle reported.

Niku Määttänen, a macroeconomics professor and chair of the Economic Policy Council, said economic policy would be a central issue in the upcoming elections and represented a major political choice.

The parties disagree on how the adjustments should be made. The National Coalition Party has proposed spending cuts, while the Left Alliance has advocated tax increases.

Määttänen said parties should not rule out different approaches too strongly.

“It would be surprising if this difficult situation were addressed using only one instrument. Everyone could be more willing to compromise,” he said.

Hanna Wass, an assistant professor of general political science, said it was too narrow to focus only on what should be cut. Voters also value issues such as investment and the green transition, she said.