2012年-CEPS欧洲政策研究中心_No_longer_a_model_pupil_in_European_politics_Finlands_EU_policy_after_the_general_elections_4页_89kb

Summary of "No longer a model pupil in European politics?" – Finland's EU policy after the general elections

Core Content

The 2011 parliamentary elections in Finland marked a significant shift in the country's political landscape, ending the long-standing dominance of pro-European parties. The True Finns Party, a Eurosceptic and anti-euro group, emerged as the third-largest party, gaining 19.1% of the vote and 39 MPs. This change reflects a growing public dissatisfaction with the EU's bailouts of Greece, Ireland, and Portugal, as well as with the traditional political parties' handling of domestic issues such as immigration, taxation, and support for the elderly.

Main Points

• Political Shift: The True Finns' rise ended the hegemony of pro-European parties. The Centre Party, previously leading the government, suffered a major defeat, losing 16 seats and dropping to 15.8% of the vote.
• Electoral Surprise: The True Finns' popularity, especially in rural areas, was unexpected. Their strategy of downplaying radical rhetoric on immigration and focusing on EU criticism proved effective.
• Public Scrutiny: The 2011 elections brought increased public attention to EU policy-making in Finland. The debate over bailout packages and the government's negotiation mandates became a focal point.
• EU Consensus Breakdown: The long-standing consensus among mainstream parties on EU policies was disrupted. The SDP, for example, did not support the bailouts without reservations, leading to open debates in parliament and campaigns.
• True Finns' Policy Stance: The party criticizes the EU as undemocratic and elitist, opposes deeper political integration, and calls for referenda on the euro and EU treaties. It also opposes Turkey's EU membership and seeks to reduce Finland's contribution to the EU budget.
• Potential Impact: Despite their rhetoric, the True Finns may not be able to significantly change Finland's EU policy due to the need for compromises in government formation. Their inclusion in a coalition would likely mainstream their views, limiting the scope of their influence.

Key Information

• Election Results:

  • True Finns: 19.1% of the vote, 39 MPs
  • Centre Party: 15.8% of the vote, lost 16 seats
  • National Coalition Party (NCP): 20.4% of the vote, became the largest party
  • Social Democratic Party (SDP): 19.1% of the vote, 42 seats (lowest support ever)

• Election Context:

  • The financial crisis was a major catalyst for public discontent with EU bailouts.
  • The True Finns strategically shifted focus from immigration to EU criticism.
  • The public's perception of the EU as a distant and undemocratic entity grew, allowing the True Finns to gain support.

• EU Policy in Finland:

  • The Finnish government traditionally acts as the representative of the parliament in EU affairs.
  • The Grand Committee has historically ensured broad consensus on EU policies, but this changed in 2011.
  • The 2011 elections led to more open debate on EU issues, which had previously been less visible in Finnish politics.

• Future Outlook:

  • The True Finns may not be able to push for radical changes in EU policy due to the need for compromise in government formation.
  • The NCP and SDP, which value the EU as a platform for international influence, will likely require the True Finns to adopt a more constructive stance to form a lasting coalition.
  • The elections also signify a broader revival of political activism in Finland, with citizens re-engaging with political parties and NGOs.

Conclusion

The 2011 Finnish elections represent a turning point in the country's relationship with the EU. While the True Finns have gained significant traction, their influence on EU policy may be tempered by the realities of coalition-building. The crisis has re-politicized European integration in Finland, leading to more open debate and a re-evaluation of the EU's role in national affairs. This shift may ultimately promote European democracy, even if it challenges the traditional model of Finland as a compliant EU member.