Finnish Parliament Elections: Defense and Security on the Mind of Voters, Climate Change Takes a Back Seat

On June 9, Finns will head to the polls to elect 15 members to the European Parliament. Expectations are high for increased voter turnout compared to the last election, with a notable increase in interest among the electorate. In the 2019 EU elections in Finland, only 42.7 percent of eligible voters cast their votes, but recent surveys indicate a larger portion of Finns are likely to participate this time around.

Climate change was a prominent issue in the previous election, leading to the Greens’ popularity. However, this time around, defense and security have taken precedence as the number one topic for voters. Leading up to the elections, polling suggests that the coalition is poised to become the largest group, with potential seats being filled by notable candidates.

The Social Democrats are expected to secure three seats, with sitting MP Eero Heinäluoma likely to pass through. The Greens may face a loss of one seat, but key members such as Ville Niinistö and Maria Ohisalo are projected to secure positions. Other parties such as the Finns Party, the Center Party, and the Left Alliance are also expected to secure seats based on the latest polls.

High-profile candidates from various parties, including the Center Party, the Left Alliance, and the Finns Party, are vying for positions in the European Parliament. The Christian Democrats and Liike Nyt may face challenges securing a seat based on current projections.

In recent years