Most of the social security payments made to non-pensioners are being frozen at current levels for the duration of this parliamentary term, but Helsingin Sanomat said the government's desire to reduce state debt may mean cuts to pensions as well.
Citing government sources, HS said all of the coalition partners may have to walk back some savings areas they said they wouldn't touch. Pension cuts are now on the table, according to HS, even though the parties promised not to cut them during last year's parliamentary elections.
Adjusting annual indices is one way to cut costs. This wouldn't be unique, however, as PM Juha Sipilä's (Centre) government also saved money by freezing pension indices. The government has already weakened several benefits through index cuts, leaving many to wonder why pensioners have been spared.
This would, however, be a very bold decision, as elderly pensioners are a diligent voting bloc, according to the paper.
Birth fears
Fear surrounding childbirth is contributing to elective cesareans in Finland, reports Hufvudstadsbladet. Nearly a quarter of deliveries at Helsinki University Hospital (HUS) last year were delivered via caesarean section — half of these because the mother was afraid of childbirth.
More women are choosing to have their children by caesarean section, while the medical community would like to see the trend going in the opposite direction.
"The increase in cesarean sections follows a global trend, and it is still moderate compared to other countries. We are making efforts to prevent further increases in the proportion of cesarean sections, as the consequences are significant both from a cost and health perspective," HBL cited Aydin Tekay, head of obstetrics and gynaecology at Helsinki University Central Hospital, as saying.
HBL, however, suggests that women's worries surrounding childbirth are often minimised, leaving much to be desired when it comes to the provision of counselling services offered to expectant mothers.
Pollen problems
Seasonal allergy sufferers are mourning the loss of regular updates from the University of Turku, which has been issuing regular pollen forecasts for 50 years. The institute said that a lack of resources was preventing it from publishing weekly forecasts this year.
"It significantly reduces my quality of life," Mats Weckström told Turun Sanomat, which reports a high proportion of its readers missing the service.
One in five people in Finland suffer from seasonal allergy symptoms. These include sneezing, nasal congestion, runny eyes and nose, itchy throat and eyes.
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