Ushering in Finland’s centenary year – Together!
Prime Minister’s New Year Message
The world around us seems beset by problems. The senseless acts of violence in Ankara and Berlin just days before Christmas were the latest demonstrations of this. Tensions are being felt in the international arena and power politics is rearing its head. The prolonged war in Syria has also highlighted the weaknesses and failure of the international community. The threat of terrorism is real in Europe, too.
I am, of course, well aware that many Finns are concerned and anxious about events in the world. For the Government, ensuring the security of Finland and the safety of its citizens under all circumstances is paramount. Now, if ever, is the time for us to be prudent in our foreign and security policy by keeping to Finland’s long held position, one that has been agreed together and has wide public support.
That position relies on non-membership of military alliances, a credible national defence, international cooperation above all within the framework of the United Nations and the European Union, good bilateral relations in all directions and effective cooperation among public authorities. We operate as part of the international community in seeking political solutions to crises and combating terrorism and other threats.
The European Union’s security cooperation is also becoming closer. At the December summit it was declared that stronger security and defence in Europe in a challenging environment, along with improved protection of citizens, will require more substantial measures.
It was, I believe, vitally important that, before Christmas, we managed to achieve a broad consensus, reaching across the government-opposition divide, on Finland’s foreign and security policy position, and that the jointly agreed position also has public support. This is both a strength and a necessity for a small country like Finland. The basis for the consensus is established in the Government’s Foreign and Security Policy Report.
Along with our prudent and jointly agreed foreign and security policy, the most sustainable approach to ensuring the security of Finland and the safety of its citizens is to put our house in order. In this regard, Finland is now moving forward in a more positive direction. The Bank of Finland and OP Financial Group are the latest to produce a modified, more favourable assessment of Finland’s economic circumstances. It is already clear that this year’s growth has surpassed all the forecasts. The basic formula established in the Government Programme is working. There is no need to change it now, although we shall be seeking additional measures to boost growth and employment in the government spending limits discussion.
Finland’s economy shrank during virtually all of the previous parliamentary term, and unemployment reached new heights. Now we are finally in a situation where the economy is growing, more and more unemployed people are finding jobs, and people’s confidence and faith in the future is gaining in strength. The Government is doing its utmost to ensure that this positive trend in the economy and in employment is reinforced and grows further using all means available. Particularly the young and the long-term unemployed in our society deserve a brighter prospect for the future.
Although Finland’s outlook is improving, we decision-makers must remember that there are many Finns for whom things are not going well. The risk of rising social inequality is real, and the Government is taking this seriously. It is, of course, extremely important that in restoring Finland to health, we make sure that everyone is included. Indeed, a key aim of the Government Programme is to narrow the disparities in people’s health and wellbeing.
As there is, unfortunately, no additional funding available, solutions need to be sought primarily through the various major reform projects in progress. To ensure that the entire country and everyone within it is cared for effectively, it is critical to achieve an improvement in the level of employment.
The Government is committed to ensuring that the reform of health, social services and regional government, prepared over several parliamentary terms, is finally seen through to completion. Access to a doctor and getting treatment and care are things that must be secured on an equal basis throughout the country, and primary health care, in particular, must be organised more effectively. These are services that are needed particularly by the less well off in society. The latest solutions in the reform of health, social services and regional government, and in freedom of choice, were decided just before Christmas.
Despite the economic constraints, we have been able to make improvements in a number of areas, one of these being an increase in the guarantee pension for the lowest income pensioners. We have also been able to put informal care on a firm footing at last.
However, bringing a halt to the growing inequality requires brand new solutions and a common long-term view. With this in mind, and within the current scope afforded by the economy, I am setting up a working group that Professor Juho Saari has kindly agreed to chair. He has also publicly, and with good cause, drawn attention to this serious issue.
The common aim must be that the services and benefits of society and for which government is responsible are found by everyone to be safe, secure and reliable, and that everyone has the opportunity to shape this country through their own efforts.
The need to ensure the wellbeing of children, young people and families, in particular, ranks highly among my personal values. The services they require are being reformed by the Government. Even so, extensive cooperation among all concerned is needed to ensure that we can genuinely prevent problems in the home and assist families in good time before matters come to a head.
I encourage each of us to help ensure that those in a weaker position in society are listened to, and that the views of those who are close to us are heard even if they feel unable to express these themselves.
Finland as an independent country will celebrate its centennial next year. ‘Together’ is the theme for this anniversary year. Throughout history, we Finns have coped with periods of turmoil: we have managed to introduce reforms, to reach agreement on issues and to work together. The Competitiveness Pact, signed in June, was the latest demonstration of this. We can all imagine, I’m sure, what state the economy would be in if we had not been able to reach agreement.
Finland has also succeeded very well in various international comparisons. In honour of the centenary celebrations, Statistics Finland has assembled a list of the areas in which we are among the best in the world. Most recently, in November, an international survey found that Finland has the world’s best governance. In fact we rose four places from our ranking in the previous survey.
We cannot afford to be smug about this, however. There is plenty of room for improvement across the board, in the Government, too.
Last but not least, may I wish everyone, on behalf of the Government, a prosperous New Year for 2017 and an enjoyable year of centenary celebrations. Let’s celebrate Together!
Juha Sipilä
Prime Minister