Finland: Political Developments and Data in 2022

Abstract

In 2022, Finland applied for NATO membership as a reaction to Russia's attack on Ukraine with full parliamentary support. The Marin government pushed through reforms, which in the autumn got contested. Frictions emerged within the government in anticipation of the general election in 2023. In January 2022, the first regional elections were held, with victory to the opposition party National Coalition. One of the traditional ruling parties, Centre, demonstrated its appeal, despite falling support nationwide. PM Sanna Marin's Social Democrats became second. Finland received much attention abroad due to the war and NATO membership application, but PM Marin's party videos also made headlines worldwide. In Finnish politics and society, attention was shifted overnight from the COVID‐19 pandemic to the war in Ukraine and what the effects of the drastically changing relations to the neighbouring Russia would be.