Citizens’ Pulse: Government is expected to focus especially on solving challenges in healthcare, public finances and education

The Government is expected to focus in the near future on solving the challenges facing healthcare, public finances and education in particular, according to the most recent Citizens’ Pulse survey. A total of 60 per cent of the respondents raised a well-functioning healthcare system as the most important theme. Sustainable public finances were the most important theme for 41 per cent of the respondents, and high-quality early childhood education and care and other education for 38 per cent. The next most important themes were promoting climate action, preventing social exclusion and improving employment.

This is the first time the Citizens’ Pulse survey asked respondents what societal themes the Government should pay particular attention to in the near future.

The new question about benefit cuts as part of reducing central government debt also divided opinions among the respondents: 42 per cent of them considered it important to reduce central government debt regardless of benefit cuts, whereas 45 per cent disagreed with this.

According to the survey, respondents’ trust in the Finnish Government is lower than in the previous surveys, which were conducted before the government formations talks. In this round, 42 per cent of the respondents said they trusted the Government. This question was not included in the survey during the government formation talks.

Trust in the media and political parties has also reduced quite clearly since the previous survey.

More and more people have encountered attempts by others to exert influence on them based on misleading information 

Respondents are still somewhat concerned about their household income, but the August round of the survey shows they are not as concerned as they were in the early summer.

Compared to the situation earlier this year, respondents had encountered more attempts on the internet and social media during the summer where other people had tried to influence them based on misleading information. A total of 60 per cent had encountered such attempts at least to some extent.

According to the Citizens’ Pulse survey, support for Ukraine has remained strong. All in all, 86 per cent of the respondents support the EU’s economic sanctions on Russia, while 74 per cent support receiving Ukrainian refugees.

The 47th round of the Citizens’ Pulse survey was conducted between 16 and 21 August 2023. The Citizens’ Pulse survey examines citizens’ opinions on current topics and the actions of the authorities and asks about their mood and expectations for the future. Statistics Finland is responsible for collecting the survey data.

Inquiries: Juho Jyrkiäinen, Senior Specialist, Prime Minister’s Office, tel. +358 295 160 181