Finland’s results in the European election bucked a continent-wide trend of rising support for parties on the outer fringe of right-wing politics, with the Left Alliance and the National Coalition winning big at the expense of the nationalist Finns Party.

Leftist leader Li Andersson received more votes than any other candidate has ever received in a European election.

  • UnderpantsWeevil@lemmy.world
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    5 months ago

    The Finns are all too aware of what far-right government means, they’re living next to it

    They’re living in it. The existing Finnish government was already on a hard-right tilt over the last ten years, and this election has resulted in a countercyclical backlash.

    This isn’t a bunch of Finns saying “We don’t want to be like Russia.” It’s a bunch of Finns saying the National Coalition / True Finns suck fucking ass for cannibalizing their public sector in order to inflate their police sectors in an anti-migrant freak out.

    The country has dipped into a recession following a slew of big cuts to social spending and economic lag caused by the war. And people justifiably don’t like that shit.

    • Zombie-Mantis@lemmy.world
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      5 months ago

      Oh, I didn’t know this! Thank you for that information. I hope the new government can materiality improve the lives of the public.

      • UnderpantsWeevil@lemmy.world
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        5 months ago

        Fingers crossed. But it wouldn’t be the first time the ratchet of politics blocked left-wing reforms while turning effortlessly to the right.

    • SteveXVII
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      5 months ago

      This also gives me hope that after a couple of years of far-right governance, these people will end up losing and more centrist politicians will be in charge again. Making this shit temporary in Europe.