Finland's Prime Minister Sanna Marin has conceded defeat in Sunday's parliamentary election, handing over power to the opposition National Coalition Party (NCP). Marin, who is just 37 years old and considered a millennial role model for progressive leaders worldwide, had been the world's youngest prime minister since taking office in 2019.
The NCP secured a majority of seats in parliament with 48 seats, narrowly ahead of the nationalist Finns Party, which won 46 seats. Marin's Social Democrats took 43 seats, according to election data.
In her concession speech, Marin acknowledged that the opposition party had received more support and gained more seats than her own party. She praised her team for their hard work and dedication, but admitted that the NCP had won the most votes in a tightly contested contest.
NCP leader Petteri Orpo vowed to "fix Finland" and its economy, promising austerity measures to curb deficit spending. He will have the first chance at forming a coalition government with a majority in parliament, which Marin's Social Democrats may join but not the Finns Party, whom Marin has described as "openly racist".
Orpo's speech was seen as a victory speech, where he expressed his party's commitment to reducing immigration from developing countries outside the European Union and cutting public debt. The NCP's policy aims were similar to those of the Social Democrats under Marin's leadership.
Finland's foreign policy priorities have been a key aspect of Marin's tenure, particularly her push for NATO membership following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The accession process is now almost complete, with Helsinki expected to join the Western defense alliance within days after all 30 member countries approved the move.
Marin has been a popular leader among many Finns, particularly young moderates, but her government was criticized by conservatives for lavish spending on pensions and education.
The NCP secured a majority of seats in parliament with 48 seats, narrowly ahead of the nationalist Finns Party, which won 46 seats. Marin's Social Democrats took 43 seats, according to election data.
In her concession speech, Marin acknowledged that the opposition party had received more support and gained more seats than her own party. She praised her team for their hard work and dedication, but admitted that the NCP had won the most votes in a tightly contested contest.
NCP leader Petteri Orpo vowed to "fix Finland" and its economy, promising austerity measures to curb deficit spending. He will have the first chance at forming a coalition government with a majority in parliament, which Marin's Social Democrats may join but not the Finns Party, whom Marin has described as "openly racist".
Orpo's speech was seen as a victory speech, where he expressed his party's commitment to reducing immigration from developing countries outside the European Union and cutting public debt. The NCP's policy aims were similar to those of the Social Democrats under Marin's leadership.
Finland's foreign policy priorities have been a key aspect of Marin's tenure, particularly her push for NATO membership following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The accession process is now almost complete, with Helsinki expected to join the Western defense alliance within days after all 30 member countries approved the move.
Marin has been a popular leader among many Finns, particularly young moderates, but her government was criticized by conservatives for lavish spending on pensions and education.
I mean, Sanna Marin is like the ultimate millennial crush, right? But it looks like she got "rebooted" by the opposition 
. I'm not surprised though, Finns are known to be brutal in their elections. On a serious note, Petteri Orpo's speech was pretty fire 
, I mean who doesn't love austerity measures and cutting public debt? Sounds like a real party starter 
. And let's be real, Marin's Social Democrats got played by the Finns Party – I guess you could say they were "outed" as being open to immigration 
. Anyway, it'll be interesting to see how Orpo's government shakes out, but hey at least Helsinki will finally join NATO and feel safer 
. Now if only Finland's politicians spent less time talking and more time budgeting 
... just kidding (or am I?) 
. I've always looked up to her as a role model for progressive leadership 
. She was so young when she took office and had done such a great job, especially with Finland joining NATO 
. But it's not surprising that the opposition party won more seats in parliament - they did seem to have some pretty radical ideas about reducing immigration and cutting public debt 
.
. I've heard they're not exactly known for their inclusive policies 
. She's clearly still got a lot to offer 
.
what's up with that? And btw, the whole "fix Finland" speech was pretty suspicious to me... sounds like Orpo's just gonna keep on repeating the same old right-wing policies 
Finland's youth vote seems to have gone against Sanna Marin 
And let's be real, she's only 37 - that's like, ancient in politics years 
He seems like he's promised some good stuff for the economy and all 
And honestly? The fact that Marin's party wasn't able to form a coalition is kinda like, a major win for Finland as a whole 
i mean she was so young and inspiring 
she's literally 37 yrs old 
youngest PM in Europe 
still got so much to give 
can't believe the NCP won with only 1 more seat than her party 
Petteri Orpo thinks he can "fix Finland" lol what a load of BS 
that's some real leadership 
dont get me wrong i love finland too, but we gotta be careful with our policies 
, acknowledging the opposition party's win while still praising her team's efforts 
. and the fact that the ncp's leader petteri orpo is talking about reducing immigration from developing countries outside eu makes me wonder if we're headed towards a more divisive society 
... anyway, it'll be interesting to see how marin's social democrats fit into the new government 
Anyway, it'll be interesting to see how Petteri Orpo does as PM 
...
, she's been doing some amazing work as PM 
. Marin made it seem like a big deal to me, but maybe I'm just still in shock 
.
. As a retiree, I've seen many elections come and go, but what caught my attention was how young Marin is - 37 years old! She's been in office since she was 34 
. As someone who's lived through economic ups and downs, I hope he finds a balance between reducing debt and investing in essential public services 
ncp got more seats tho, but marin said they won the most votes which makes me wonder if it was just a popularity contest 
i hope he doesn't make things worse for immigrants 
marin seemed to agree w/ him on some issues tho? 
so sanna marin went down in flames she's been the face of finland's progressive movement and now it seems like the national coalition party is taking over... i'm kinda surprised they didn't do better with their "openly racist" stance comment though that was super low 
anyway, petteri orpo is definitely someone to watch out for he's got a clear agenda on reducing immigration and cutting debt which might appeal to some folks but at what cost? finland's economy is already pretty vulnerable so can we really afford austerity measures without hurting the wrong people? i guess only time will tell