The number of payment defaulters subject to collection increased by two percent last year compared to the year before, according to new figures from Statistics Finland.
There were some 291,000 debtors subject to enforcement in 2022, with debts totalling some 7.6 billion euros.
The amount of debt subject to enforcement is increasing, according to the official statistical agency. Each individual person subject to debt enforcement had an average of 24,980 euros in debt, which is some 3,040 euros more than in 2021.
The average total of bad debt for legal individuals, which can mean companies as well as people, was 46,500 euros — some 15,800 euros more than the year before.
An economic forecast published on Wednesday suggested there is little light at the end of the tunnel for those in difficulties.
PTT Economic Research said that the new government will inherit an economy set to contract by half a percentage point of GDP, with growth expected to be one percent in 2024.
Inflationary pressures are expected to subside slightly, but households will still face a difficult situation with increased mortgage interest costs and higher food prices.
