A new survey reveals growing economic anxiety among Finns. Half of Finnish respondents now worry about unemployment, up significantly from one-third last year.
The unemployment rate in Finland has remained high for months. Last month showed slight improvement when the trend figure dropped to 9.9% from August's 10%.
Finns also report feeling worse about their personal resources. Last year, fewer than one-fifth described their resources as weak. This year, that number rose to over one-quarter.
Supporters of the Finns Party and Left Alliance particularly reported weak personal resources. People with poor finances shared this experience.
Only about half of respondents said their personal resources were good.
Research manager Ville Pitkänen said the situation is concerning. 'The situation is not desirable. It affects not only working life but also what choices Finns make in their lives and what risks they take,' he stated.
Health care and elderly care services topped Finnish concerns. Over half of respondents worry about both services.
Most respondents believe Finland should maintain its Nordic welfare society. Yet nearly one-fifth accepted that some people might be left behind during economic reforms.
About one in ten women found this acceptable. Among men, one in four accepted the idea.
Half of Finns Party supporters approved of this approach. One-third of National Coalition supporters agreed. Only about one-tenth of Social Democratic Party, Centre Party, Green League and Left Alliance supporters found it acceptable.
The survey involved over one thousand Finns in May. It represents adults living in mainland Finland. This annual study of Finnish attitudes began in 2022.
Economic uncertainty appears to be reshaping public sentiment across Finland. The sharp increase in unemployment worries suggests many households feel financially vulnerable despite recent minor improvements in employment figures.