Finnish artist and author Katariina Souri has announced she is establishing a new political party called the Granite Party. Souri revealed her plans in a social media statement after initially intending to wait until the party program was complete and approved by the Ministry of Justice.
Souri confirmed that the application for Graniittipuolue ry is currently being processed by the Finnish Patent and Registration Office. She is founding the organization together with two other women, Maiju Palinja and Metsälintu Pahkin. The three women are now focusing on refining the party's political platform before moving forward with the registration process.
The party's name derives from Finland's national stone, granite. Souri explained the symbolism behind the choice, stating their central idea involves building society and welfare on a solid foundation. They aim to create social prosperity alongside economic stability and address root causes of problems rather than treating symptoms.
Establishing a registered political party in Finland requires approval from the Ministry of Justice. After the initial application is accepted, parties must collect 5,000 supporter cards within one year to complete the registration process. This system ensures new parties demonstrate genuine public support before gaining official status.
Souri previously ran as a Green League candidate in the 2019 parliamentary elections from the Uusimaa constituency but was not elected. Her transition from established party politics to founding a new movement reflects growing political fragmentation in Finland. Recent years have seen several new parties emerge alongside traditional political blocs.
The Granite Party's emphasis on foundational stability and addressing root causes rather than symptoms suggests a pragmatic approach to politics. Their focus on both economic and social prosperity indicates they may seek to bridge traditional left-right divides in Finnish politics.
New political parties in Finland face significant challenges in gaining traction. The country's multiparty system requires coalition governments, making it difficult for smaller parties to influence policy without established parliamentary representation. Success typically requires either capturing specific regional support or addressing issues overlooked by mainstream parties.
Political analysts note that artist-led parties have occasionally gained attention in Nordic countries, though sustained success remains rare. The Granite Party's development will depend on its ability to articulate clear policy positions that distinguish it from existing options while building practical political organization.
The coming months will reveal whether the Granite Party can gather the necessary supporter signatures and develop a platform that resonates with Finnish voters. Their progress will indicate whether this new political venture represents a fleeting experiment or the beginning of a lasting political movement.