The Finns Party is facing internal scrutiny and external pressure following a sharp decline in support, as revealed by Yle's latest political barometer. Party leader and Finance Minister Riikka Purra acknowledged the significant drop, attributing it in part to poor recent election results.
The party's support has fallen by four percentage points to 11.4 percent — down from 20.1 percent during the 2023 parliamentary elections. In April's local and regional elections, the Finns Party received just 7.6 and 7.8 percent of the vote respectively.
"A big drop — poor poll numbers after a poor election," Purra told reporters, adding that the effects of weak electoral performances can create downward momentum.
She also cited challenges in communication.
"We've not been able to adequately explain to voters what positive results we are achieving. Meanwhile, external factors like the difficult economic situation and rising unemployment have been successfully blamed on the government. We haven't countered that narrative effectively enough."
Purra added that it is "impossible to say" whether or not the turmoil in the party's support will strain the current governing coalition.
She expressed hope that improving employment and purchasing power by autumn would aid the party's recovery, and noted that possible adjustments to the party's line could be explored during the upcoming party congress.
Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (NCP) played down the implications for the governing coalition.
"Government work is going well. We've made historic decisions since the municipal elections. The work continues. There are no signs of problems," he told reporters at Parliament.
"Polls aren't votes"
Finns Party parliamentary group chair Jani Mäkelä said the results were expected following weak regional and municipal elections.
"It wasn't a positive poll, and the mood reflects that. But polls are polls — they don't vote. We move forward and continue delivering solid government policy," he said, adding that the party's approach doesn't need to change.
"What needs improving is how we communicate our policies and accomplishments to the public."
Justice Minister Leena Meri echoed this view, stating the party's core direction remains sound.
"The government programme is our guiding line: fixing the economy, reducing the debt-to-GDP ratio. We just passed a major tax relief package for low- and middle-income earners and are working to improve competitiveness and purchasing power. I see no need to change direction."
When asked about policy decisions drawing the most criticism, Meri pointed to the planned removal of the tax deduction for trade union membership fees.
SDP gains from government discontent
Meanwhile, the opposition Social Democratic Party (SDP) has seen a boost in support, rising by 1.9 percentage points to become the leading party by a margin of over five points ahead of the NCP.
SDP party secretary Mikkel Näkkäläjärvi said the shift reflects both voter dissatisfaction with the government and his party's consistent message.
"Of course, it's great that such a significant share of Finns trust the SDP and its policies. But it's also a clear signal that many people are deeply dissatisfied with the unjust policies of the Orpo–Purra government," he said.
He noted that less than 40 percent of Finns currently support the government, according to the poll.
"I believe many people are sceptical of the government's direction because it favours the wealthy and well-off, while cuts are made to benefits and services for the most vulnerable," Näkkäläjärvi added.
