Prime Minister Peteri Orupo (NCP) reiterated its concern over rising national debt levels in its New Year message.
“Finland is a country with dangerous levels of debt. Approximately every 8 euros of expenditure is financing a new debt,” he said, reminding us that the economic outlook has worsened in recent months. “Increased interest expenses, the state of human services counties, and essential defense needs are examples of large expenses that require borrowing.”
Orpo insisted that the government has no choice but to agree new adjustment measures at the next framework meeting if it is to achieve its goal of reducing its debt burden by 6 billion euros. The longer the measures are postponed, the more drastic they need to be.
The Prime Minister stressed that greater economic space is needed to ensure the government can support people and businesses through difficult times in the future.
“We all have to recognize this fact: We are living beyond our means at the expense of future generations,” he said. “Reductions in transfers from central government to local governments must be supplemented by spending limits. We have already started looking for solutions. The range of instruments must be as wide as possible. ”
He acknowledged that “cuts alone will not be enough to get us back on our feet,” pointing to jobs and economic growth as the only permanent solution to the debt problem.
Mr Olupo also pledged that despite the difficult times, the government would also invest to improve basic education, increase funding for research and development and reduce waiting times in the health system.
He concluded his message with a reminder that the new year will be interrupted by two important elections.In other words, voters will choose the president’s successor. Sauli Niinisto The country will send a representative to the European Parliament from January to February, and will attend the European Parliament in June.
Both elections were an opportunity to participate in free and fair elections in a democracy, an opportunity that even today “cannot be taken for granted,” he recalled.
“Democracy is something we must actively defend. Democracy also means the freedom to dissent. I hope that in the coming year everyone will be able to exercise their freedom constructively and with respect for others.” ” he said. “When it comes to big issues, our small country has shown its strength by coming together. Finland and the Finnish people have coped through the most difficult times, and we will continue to do so.” is.”
Aleksi Teivainen – HT