Finland's Prime Minister Sanna Marin has conceded defeat in the country's parliamentary election, with the opposition right-wing National Coalition Party (NCP) claiming victory. The NCP was expected to win 48 of the 200 seats in parliament, narrowly ahead of the nationalist Finns Party and Marin's Social Democrats.
Marin, who is Finland's youngest prime minister at just 37 years old, had been a popular figure among many Finns, particularly young moderates. However, she has faced criticism for her partying and her government's public spending. The NCP leader Petteri Orpo has vowed to "fix Finland" and its economy, promising to curb spending and reduce the country's growing public debt.
Orpo will get the first chance at forming a coalition with a majority in parliament, bringing an end to Marin's era as prime minister. In her concession speech, Marin acknowledged that her party had not won as many seats as expected, but praised her supporters for their hard work and commitment.
Marin has been a key figure on the international stage, particularly during Finland's push for NATO membership following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The country's accession to the alliance is now almost complete, with all 30 members having approved the accession.
The Finns Party, led by Riikka Purra, has also called for austerity measures and a reduction in immigration from developing countries outside the European Union. The NCP and Finns Party share many of the same economic goals, but have differing views on how to achieve them.
Sanna Marin's departure as prime minister marks a significant shift in Finnish politics, with the country looking towards a new era under Orpo's leadership.
Marin, who is Finland's youngest prime minister at just 37 years old, had been a popular figure among many Finns, particularly young moderates. However, she has faced criticism for her partying and her government's public spending. The NCP leader Petteri Orpo has vowed to "fix Finland" and its economy, promising to curb spending and reduce the country's growing public debt.
Orpo will get the first chance at forming a coalition with a majority in parliament, bringing an end to Marin's era as prime minister. In her concession speech, Marin acknowledged that her party had not won as many seats as expected, but praised her supporters for their hard work and commitment.
Marin has been a key figure on the international stage, particularly during Finland's push for NATO membership following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The country's accession to the alliance is now almost complete, with all 30 members having approved the accession.
The Finns Party, led by Riikka Purra, has also called for austerity measures and a reduction in immigration from developing countries outside the European Union. The NCP and Finns Party share many of the same economic goals, but have differing views on how to achieve them.
Sanna Marin's departure as prime minister marks a significant shift in Finnish politics, with the country looking towards a new era under Orpo's leadership.