Helsinki: Three opposition parties in Finland have filed an interpellation seeking a vote of no confidence against the government over rising poverty and the cost of living.
According to Anadolu Agency, Left Alliance parliamentary group leader Aino-Kaisa Pekonen emphasized the urgency of the situation at a press conference in Parliament, stating, ‘According to a recent estimate, poverty will increase by tens of thousands if compensatory measures are not taken now.’
The initiative is spearheaded by the Left Alliance and has gained support from the Social Democrats (SDP) and Greens. These parties criticize the current economic policies and urge the government to implement measures to support low-income earners.
SDP parliamentary group chair Tytti Tuppurainen pointed out that the rising costs are having a significant impact on many middle-income families. She called for clear solutions ahead of the government’s forthcoming final budget discussions.
Greens leader Sofia Virta raised concerns about the potential increase in child poverty, noting that nearly one in six children could soon be affected, which she described as ‘a national shame.’
Minja Koskela, chair of the Left Alliance, stressed the importance of preserving the welfare state to ensure national unity. Notably, the Centre Party opted not to participate in the interpellation.