New Year

I remain convinced that it is only with trust, hope, and a positive attitude that we can build a better tomorrow.

For that reason, I am worried about those who spread fear and insecurity among us. Terror, scorn and bitterness must not fuel politics. Over our years of independence, this country’s prosperity has been built on industriousness, determination, and bravery. The decision has been to aim higher, to have faith in one’s own abilities, and to look forward. All this is based on a welfare society with a strong sense of solidarity and justice.

Today's politics seem, more than ever, to be characterised by speech and actions concerning the economy. Decision-makers, public servants, and researchers speak about problems in public finances and pressures to obtain a billion euros in savings. At the same time, we are told that, if we are to remain internationally competitive, taxes must be cut back by about a billion euros, too. Euro notes and the market economy determine the direction.

It is not, however, possible to hide behind the numbers, for they are also influenced by the value judgements made. It is definitely not sufficient that only a chosen few are discussing these important issues that have had – and will continue to have – a significant effect on citizens’ everyday life.

Population ageing, central government debt, and taxation are issues that concern everyone. Behind all those billions is the question of the income and needs of a single household, family, or individual, each and every day. Therefore, I would like to see citizens involved in the discussion on the direction of Finland.

Every Finnish citizen entitled to vote has the right to make decisions. The main task of political parties and politicians is to provide alternatives from which to choose. The Parliamentary elections next spring will define the kind of Finland we will build in the decades to come. A decision to stay put without moving is not a viable solution in our constantly changing world.

Many of us are worried about exclusion, inequality, and insecurity – and there are those who experience these in their everyday life. Decision-makers must not feel defeated in the face of these problems but, instead, should find them an encouragement to act, a force for improvement.

The promise of equality is also written within the success of Finland. Finland is an ‘undivided we’; there has not been and there must not be ‘them and us’. We stand as one, taking joint responsibility for preventing quarrelling and hate speech against different population groups. These are to be condemned.

The best foundation for a unified nation is simple: employment. For that reason, a positive sign we can notice is that in 2010 the number of the unemployed has taken a downturn. It is especially important to conquer youth unemployment; as a nation, and as individuals, we cannot afford to have young people excluded from working life. Work creates inclusion, security, and income, making one feel needed. We want to continue to build Finland on the basis of employment. It is the only way our country can achieve success and grow.

Now and in future, it will be impossible to refer to Finland as a cut-off island rather than as part of the open world. In Europe, 2010 comes to an end in unstable circumstances. The flames of the economic fires in Greece and Ireland have been discernible from afar. Finland, for its part, is committed to the efforts to stabilise these countries’ economies to prevent the spread of the fire. Such decisions have raised concern among citizens, and rightly so. For that reason, I want, now at the end of the year, to emphasise once more that the decisions have been made with the best interests of the Finnish people in mind – and will continue to be.

Finland and the whole of Europe face a serious situation. Glowing embers and smouldering heaps can still be found in various parts of Europe. Unfortunately, it is not possible to promise that the situation is calming down. Europe will rise or fall as one. As a member of the European Union, Finland will seek to ensure that the stability of the common economy can be reinstated as soon as possible.

In the coming year, we must take every action to make Finland even more unified and integrated. Caring and responsible actions contribute to community life. This is best measured by how we relate to children and old people – to all those who cannot stand up and draw attention to themselves. It cannot be so that those who shout the loudest are the only ones heard.

Many of us hope to find more time next year for those close to us. Everyday life is busy and hectic, and there are but a few moments to slow things down. As we cannot stop the clock, we must train ourselves to stop.

The requirements of working life are demanding, and many people are exhausted. A workplace where medication and sick leave are the only ways of coping is a grotesque parody of success. Well-being at school remains an issue too.

The start of the new year provides a good starting point for a joint Finnish project. Exhausted employees with excessive work loads will not increase productivity; growth can only be achieved with employees who feel well at work and at home. A person's life should, more clearly than before, be treated holistically. This is a key to a new era of Finnish working life.

With best wishes for a bright new year 2011,

Mari Kiviniemi
Prime Minister of Finland