With a new government, Finland is clearly moving to the right. A four-party center-right alliance under Conservative Prime Minister-designate Petteri Orpo announced today in Helsinki, among other things, a tougher immigration policy. His government’s goal is “a strong and supportive Finland”, Orpo said.
Orpo’s National Coalition Party had already agreed to work together after weeks of negotiations with the right-wing populist party The Finns, the Swedish People’s Party and the Christian Democrats. Orpo replaces Social Democrat Prime Minister Sanna Marin. Party committees have yet to approve the plans.
“Paradigm shift” in migration
Finnish chief Riikka Purra has announced a “paradigm shift” in migration. Residence permits should be limited and reduced to the EU minimum. Family reunification will be reinforced, as well as the conditions for granting asylum. The refugee quota drops from 1,050 to 500 per year.
According to Purra, the immigration of qualified workers should be more controlled. Also, there should be a separate system for social benefits for immigrants in the future. In the new cabinet, the right-wing populists will have seven ministerial posts, including the Ministry of the Interior.
Criticism of the weakening of workers’ rights
Opposition parties and unions have criticized the alliance for wanting to undermine workers’ rights. For example, the incoming government plans to cut unemployment benefits, simplify layoffs, restrict the right to strike, and eliminate rolling wages for the first day of sick.
Income tax must be reduced by half a billion euros during the legislative period in order to alleviate low and medium incomes. This will be funded by raising VAT on many goods and services from ten to 14 per cent. These include pharmaceuticals, film screenings, cultural and entertainment events and hosting services.