Finns oppose most public sector austerity measures, survey finds

A clear majority of Finns reject cuts to social welfare, unemployment benefits, healthcare services, and pensions, according to a new survey by the Municipal Development Foundation.

The poll, reported by national broadcaster Yle, found that only two out of 13 proposed austerity measures received majority support: delaying large public procurement projects and reducing business subsidies.

Respondents most strongly opposed cuts to municipal education and cultural services, reductions in welfare region healthcare and rescue services, and further increases in public borrowing. The survey also revealed broad resistance to raising taxes, selling public assets, or reducing state grants to municipalities.

Compared to previous years, public opposition to cutting social and unemployment benefits has grown, while attitudes toward pension reductions have softened slightly. The survey, conducted by Verian in March–April, included over 1,000 interviews with a margin of error of up to 3 percentage points.