Thursday's papers: Pension suggestion, popular neighbourhoods, and a football test

Should people have more influence on where their pension contributions are invested? That's one proposal in Thursday's press.

So-called tilt-shift photo of apartment buildings in Helsinki's Töölö district.
Töölö is one of the most popular neighbourhoods in Finland, according to an online property listing service. Image: Petteri Bülow / Yle

Helsingin Sanomat carries a suggestion on making the pension system a little fairer to younger generations.

Petri Niemisvirta, CEO of financial services firm Mandatum, says that people should be able to use some of their compulsory pension contributions towards a personal pension pot.

At present people and their employers contribute to a pension fund which chooses the investment targets and uses the bulk of the money to fund current pensioners' incomes.

Niemisvirta says that might begin to seem unjust, as younger people are likely to get less of a return on their contributions.

Born in 1970, he says he is likely to get back roughly what he put into the system, once he retires and starts claiming his pension. People born later, however, might get 70 cents on the euro or even less — unless there's some kind of reform.

That's why Niemisvirta suggests people take a more active role in their pension planning, as that could increase their commitment to the system.

People would get a small portion of their contributions to invest in selected investments, and be able to draw on the funds once they hit retirement age. A similar system has been in place in Sweden since 1999.

Niemisvirta denies the proposal would be to Mandatum's benefit, claiming that he's speaking out of concern for the economy.

Most popular neighbourhoods

Ilta-Sanomat carries a story based on searches conducted via a real estate website, detailing Finland's most popular neighbourhoods among online property searchers.

The list is based on the number of searches, so it represents where people are most likely to want to (and be able to) buy a home — not necessarily simply the most desirable and exclusive neighbourhoods.

Even so, the capital's list is topped by the relatively pricey Ullanlinna, Punavuori, Töölö and Lauttasaari districts.

What's the best place to live in Finland?

Fledgeling Eagle Owls in Slovakia

Thursday sees most papers covering the start of the Under-21 European Championship in Slovakia, with Finland's men footballers taking on the Netherlands in Kosice.

It's a tough assignment for Finland, who have impressed under coach Mika Lehkosuo in qualifying for the tournament.

The Dutch team includes several players who have already played for their senior team, including 19-year-old defender Jorrel Hato who has already played 75 games for Ajax.

The opening match starts at 10pm and is televised live on Nelonen.

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