Finnish public sentiment has turned decisively pessimistic with a clear majority now believing the country is headed in the wrong direction. A new survey from the Finnish Business and Policy Forum EVA reveals that 60 percent of respondents assess Finland's current trajectory as wrong, while only one in five sees it as correct. The findings highlight a growing disconnect between the national mood and political leadership, rooted in deep economic anxieties that are reshaping consumer behavior and political alignments.
A Stark Shift in National Outlook
The EVA survey, conducted in October 2025 with over 2,000 respondents, marks a significant deterioration in public confidence. Just 40 percent now view Finland's future with optimism, nearly matched by the 38 percent who are pessimistic. This represents a clear negative shift from previous measurements. The discontent cuts across most demographic lines, suggesting a broad-based unease rather than an issue confined to specific groups. The survey's margin of error is 2-3 percentage points, confirming the trend's statistical significance. The research is weighted to represent the adult population by age, gender, region, education, occupation, and party support, providing a robust snapshot of the national mood.
Economic Insecurity Drives the Pessimism
The core of the public's concern is squarely economic. Half of all respondents feel they are at risk of becoming unemployed, a startling figure that underscores labor market fears. Nearly the same proportion is worried about problems in public finances reflecting negatively on their personal economy. This financial insecurity is having a direct impact on major life decisions, with 43 percent stating now is not the right time to make significant purchases like a house or a car. Furthermore, close to half of Finns are preparing to use their own money to buy healthcare services, indicating eroding confidence in the public welfare system's capacity. These numbers paint a picture of a population hunkering down, prioritizing financial safety over consumption and investment.
The Political Divide in Perception
The survey data reveals a sharp political split in how the nation's direction is perceived. Supporters of the governing parties are notably more positive, yet still far from unanimous. Among supporters of the National Coalition Party (Kokoomus), a clear majority of 60 percent sees Finland's direction as correct. For supporters of the Finns Party (Perussuomalaiset), the other main governing party, the figure is 45 percent. This indicates that even within the base of the ruling coalition, a substantial minority disagrees with the positive assessment offered by their political leaders. The views among opposition party supporters are significantly more critical, pulling the national average down. This divide suggests that political messaging from the government is failing to resonate with a large segment of the electorate, including some of its own natural supporters.
The Paradox of Personal Optimism
A fascinating contradiction emerges when comparing views on the nation's future with views on one's personal future. While pessimistic about Finland's trajectory, Finns remain strikingly optimistic about their own lives. Two-thirds of respondents see their personal future in a positive light, with only one-fifth expressing pessimism. This resilience points to a strong sense of individual agency and fortitude among the population. It suggests that the gloom is not born of personal despair but of a critical assessment of national policy and economic management. People believe in their own ability to navigate challenges but are losing faith in the systemic and political framework surrounding them. This disconnect creates a complex environment for policymakers, who must address systemic failures without undermining the public's noted self-reliance.
National Identity as a Foundational Strength
Despite the economic worries and political discontent, the survey identified one overwhelmingly positive sentiment: Finnish national pride. Over three-quarters of respondents considered it a privilege and a piece of good fortune to be Finnish. This deep-seated pride and shared identity represents a key social asset and a potential foundation for resilience. EVA's Managing Director Sami Metelinen highlighted this duality in the accompanying statement. He noted that a sense of frustration is spreading slowly due to the prolonged weak economic situation, for which there are no quick fixes. However, Metelinen pointed to this foundational happiness in being Finnish as a key resource. He stated that Finns are committed to necessary public spending cuts, provided politicians keep future expectations realistic. This indicates a public willing to endure hardship if they trust the path and the leadership.
The Road Ahead for Finnish Policymakers
The EVA survey delivers a blunt message to Finland's political leaders in Helsinki and the Eduskunta. The public's patience with the prolonged economic stagnation is wearing thin, and their faith in the current direction is faltering. The data shows a citizenry deeply concerned about job security, public finances, and their ability to access core services. Yet, it also reveals a populace that values its national community and is prepared for collective sacrifice if led with transparency and realistic goals. The challenge for the government is to bridge the gap between its policy narrative and the lived economic experience of voters. With EU-level economic pressures also playing a role, Finnish politicians must articulate a credible and inclusive path to recovery that acknowledges the widespread concerns this survey so clearly documents. The coming months will test whether the coalition can convert the public's enduring commitment to Finland into renewed confidence in its government's plans.