Support for Finland’s ruling coalition has dipped to roughly 38 percent, while the head of Kela faces serious health challenges, and the media landscape is increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence.
A recent opinion poll conducted by Helsingin Sanomat reveals that the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has cemented its status as Finland’s most favored political party.
Under the leadership of Antti Lindtman for just over two years, following former chair Sanna Marin‘s departure from politics, the SDP has seen a noticeable surge in support.
The party has consistently ranked as the most popular option in various polls since September 2024, recently achieving its highest approval rating in almost two decades. The latest statistics show that the SDP resonates with a broad demographic, with supporters exhibiting strong loyalty to their chosen party.
While there was a brief dip in support below the 25 percent threshold in late October and early November—a feat rarely accomplished by parties in recent decades—current figures indicate the SDP has rebounded to 25.3 percent. This marks an increase of 0.6 percentage points from last month.
The gap between the leading parties is now the widest seen during this government term, with the SDP holding a comfortable 7.3 percentage-point lead over Prime Minister Petteri Orpo‘s National Coalition Party (NCP), which stands at 18 percent. The opposition Center Party trails closely behind at 14.8 percent.
Collectively, the approval ratings of the four parties in Orpo’s coalition now rest at 38.1 percent. This reflects a slight decline from November yet is an improvement from September’s low of 36.9 percent.
Kela Chief in Serious Condition
Lasse Lehtonen, the head of Kela, Finland’s social security benefits agency, is reportedly facing a serious illness that will keep him on sick leave until the end of May, according to Iltalehti.
Lehtonen was recently transported back to Finland via ambulance flight. Speculation about his health intensified after he was taken into custody by police following an incident at Brussels Airport earlier this month while he was on a business trip, despite already being on sick leave.
Lehtonen’s management style and comments concerning Kela employees have stirred controversy in recent months. However, according to Kela board chair Vertti Kiukas, there are no signs to suggest that he won’t return to work by June. In the interim, Kari-Pekka Mäki-Lohiluoma will assume his duties.
Describing the circumstances as “very surprising and exceptional,” Kiukas offered well-wishes for Lehtonen and his family during this challenging time.
News Agency Turns to AI Amid Financial Strain
In a move that highlights the financial struggles within the media sector, Savon Sanomat reports that the Finnish news agency STT plans to downsize its workforce by replacing some journalists with artificial intelligence and other technological solutions.
Established in 1887, STT currently employs about 140 individuals, but it aims to cut up to 25 person-years, predominantly from its newsroom.
STT’s principal owner, Sanoma Media Finland, recently announced that its leading publications, including Helsingin Sanomat and Ilta-Sanomat, will significantly reduce or eliminate their reliance on STT. Nonetheless, regional newspapers like Aamulehti and Satakunnan Kansa Länsi-Suomi will continue to utilize STT’s services for at least another year, according to STT board chair Petteri Putkiranta.
Minister of Transport and Communications Lulu Wrist is considering potential state support for STT as part of a broader analysis of the media industry’s health in Finland.
“This study will conclude in February, and no decisions will be made before that,” Ranne stated earlier this month, adding that STT will not be allowed to fail during this government term.
However, a September survey revealed a lack of political enthusiasm for using taxpayer dollars to sustain the long-standing news agency.