Finland's Prime Minister Sanna Marin conceded defeat in the country's parliamentary election on Sunday, marking the end of her tenure as the world's youngest prime minister. Marin, 37, led her Social Democrats party to 43 seats in parliament, narrowly behind the National Coalition Party (NCP) with 48 seats and the Finns Party with 46 seats.
Marin had been a progressive figure, popular among young Finns, but faced criticism at home for her government's spending habits and perceived extravagance. The NCP, led by Petteri Orpo, vowed to "fix Finland" and curb public debt, which has risen significantly since Marin took office in 2019.
Orpo will now lead the opposition, forming a coalition with other parties to obtain a majority in parliament. Marin has pledged that her Social Democrats may govern with the NCP but will not work with the Finns Party, which she accused of being "openly racist".
Finland's parliamentary election was seen as a test of the country's resilience amid Europe's energy crisis and rising public debt. The NCP's promise to reduce immigration from developing countries outside the EU also resonated with some voters.
Marin has been a prominent figure on the global stage, including her push for NATO membership in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The process is now almost complete, with Helsinki expected to join within days after all 30 Western defense alliance members approved the accession.
The election result marks a significant shift in Finnish politics, as Marin's progressive government faces challenges from a more conservative opposition.
Marin had been a progressive figure, popular among young Finns, but faced criticism at home for her government's spending habits and perceived extravagance. The NCP, led by Petteri Orpo, vowed to "fix Finland" and curb public debt, which has risen significantly since Marin took office in 2019.
Orpo will now lead the opposition, forming a coalition with other parties to obtain a majority in parliament. Marin has pledged that her Social Democrats may govern with the NCP but will not work with the Finns Party, which she accused of being "openly racist".
Finland's parliamentary election was seen as a test of the country's resilience amid Europe's energy crisis and rising public debt. The NCP's promise to reduce immigration from developing countries outside the EU also resonated with some voters.
Marin has been a prominent figure on the global stage, including her push for NATO membership in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The process is now almost complete, with Helsinki expected to join within days after all 30 Western defense alliance members approved the accession.
The election result marks a significant shift in Finnish politics, as Marin's progressive government faces challenges from a more conservative opposition.