Hundreds protest in Tampere against government cuts to social and welfare NGO funding

Hundreds of people marched in Tampere on Monday to oppose the Finnish government’s planned €140 million reduction in state grants for social and healthcare NGOs over three years, Yle reports.

Protesters, representing over 50 organisations from across Finland, chanted “Everything has its limits! Enough is enough!” as they demonstrated against cuts they say will force closures of low-threshold services. The government has already slashed more than a third of the sector’s funding, with further savings still under consideration.

Cuts already disrupting services
Mervi Janhunen, executive director of Setlementti Tampere—a major recipient of state grants—said the reductions have already forced organisations to scale back operations. Funding was first cut by €80 million for 2025, followed by €30 million this year and another €30 million planned for next year.

“Many have had to close low-threshold services,” Janhunen told Yle. “This directly affects people’s daily lives—some groups have shut down entirely, and development work has stalled.”

Setlementti Tampere, which runs crisis support for victims of violence, youth activities for people with disabilities, and international meeting spaces for women, relies on around €2 million in annual state funding. Janhunen cited feedback from a participant in their girls’ shelter who said, “Tyttis [the shelter] saved my life.”

Warning of broader societal costs
Janhunen stressed that NGOs exist to serve citizens and prevent social problems, not for their own sake. “Those pushing these cuts should remember that this work also generates economic growth,” she said.

Without NGO services, she warned, public systems will face increased pressure—or society risks higher addiction rates, loneliness, and suicides. “That’s not what we want.”

Over 500 protesters participated in the peaceful march through Tampere’s city centre, calling on the government to reverse course in upcoming budget negotiations.