Latest society & culture news and updates from Finland in English.
Private healthcare provider Lääkärikeskus Fenix is opening its fifth clinic in Mäntsälä in March. This expansion fuels the ongoing political debate in Finland about the role of private services within the universal public healthcare system.
Rääkkylä's municipal manager Esko Rautiainen has resigned after a scandal over explicit social media comments. His departure follows a formal warning last year and a December ultimatum from the council. Development secretary Raita Joutsensaari now steps in as the fixed-term successor.
The municipality of Pihtipudas, Finland, is setting aside 15,000 euros to fund 250-euro grants for teen summer entrepreneurs. The program targets local youth aged 15-19, aiming to boost skills and seasonal employment through small business creation. Applications will open this spring.
Atria recalls a batch of coleslaw salad due to a packaging error that leaves egg, milk, and mustard allergens undeclared. Consumers must check their packages and return affected products. The isolated incident highlights the critical importance of accurate food labeling.
Finns lost a record 72.5 million euros to fraud in 2025, a sum that could fund the Security Police or ministers' salaries. While banks improved prevention, phishing scams led the losses, highlighting an urgent national challenge.
Extensive spray-paint vandalism has shut down a recently renovated public toilet in Viitasaari's town square, marking a severe first for the municipality. The closure forces residents and visitors to go without a key service while the city allocates funds and labor for cleanup. This single act of foolishness, officials note, has made many people suffer, putting the principle of free public amenities under strain.
Three major home goods stores in Hyvinkää and Riihimäki have closed permanently following their owner's bankruptcy. The shutdowns leave employees jobless and customers in limbo, highlighting persistent challenges in Finland's physical retail sector.
Finland's Constitutional Law Committee failed to vote on a key alcohol law reform after failing to achieve a quorum, a recurring issue its chairman warns is delaying vital legislation. With a packed spring agenda looming, the procedural breakdown highlights systemic strains in the parliament's core work.
Central Finland's welfare region is charging €71.30 for doctor appointments conducted by phone. The fee only applies when the call replaces a physical visit, and patients are notified when booking. This charge counts toward Finland's annual healthcare cost cap of €815.
Helsinki's city administration has sued its own political board in an unprecedented clash over power. The fight over a forested daycare site asks who really runs the capital: civil servants or elected officials? The court's decision will set a major precedent for Finnish local government.
Authorities are investigating the strange dumping of eggs and fish along Finland's Vuoksi River. The act contradicts national food waste goals and environmental norms, leaving locals puzzled about the motive behind the pollution.
The bankruptcy of Asko and Sotka's parent company has stranded customer orders, with over 100 people reporting losses of thousands of euros for undelivered sofas and beds. Stores are closed indefinitely, leaving families in financial limbo.
Kone's change negotiations threaten 70 jobs in Hyvinkää, affecting 840 employees. This move sparks questions about Finnish industrial policy and EU economic strategies. Read our detailed coverage on the implications for workers and the broader economy.
A confusing feature in Finland's mandatory OmaPosti digital mail service could trick users into paying bills twice. The platform shows invoices as 'unpaid' even after payment through online banking, risking panic and duplicate transactions. As authorities phase out paper mail, this design flaw highlights the human cost of rushed digitalization.
Two minors are suspected of attempted murder and robbery after a stabbing in Vaasa, Finland. The case highlights the country's juvenile justice system and social service responses. Authorities are focusing on rehabilitation and child protection amid broader policy debates.
Jyväskylä's city board has dismissed an MP's complaint against the council chairman, opting for no further action. The decision highlights procedural norms in Finnish local politics and the tensions between populist and traditional parties. This case reflects broader dynamics in Finland's municipal governance.
Indoor Group, owner of Asko and Sotka furniture chains, has filed for bankruptcy, closing stores in Kouvola and endangering over 500 jobs. The company's financial struggles and failed restructuring efforts mark a significant blow to Finland's retail sector. What does this mean for the future of these century-old brands?
Finland's furniture retail sector is in crisis, with half of companies operating at a loss. The bankruptcies of Sotka and Asko signal a wave of closures as consumer spending drops and giants Ikea and Jysk dominate. Experts warn more bankruptcies and silent closures are imminent.
A teenage boy is suspected of a life-threatening stabbing in Vaasa, Finland, after a bus dispute turned violent. The case involves complex juvenile legal protocols and a counter-suspicion against the victim. Authorities have filed a child welfare report as the investigation continues.
A new Finnish study reveals households waste 20% of their food budget on nutritionally empty items like sweets and soda. Researchers say this spending harms both public health and the environment, and call for policy changes to make healthy choices easier.
Finnish police condemn egg-throwing and misconduct at Espoo graduation celebrations, warning such acts could constitute assault. Despite clear pre-event rules, officers face challenges detecting violations among hundreds of students. The incident sparks debate on policing public traditions.
Finnish PM Petteri Orpo faces no internal party challenge, securing his National Coalition leadership with 57% backing. Key ministers publicly endorse him, signaling government stability amid tough economic reforms. The party's future succession race is already taking shape behind the scenes.
Finland's Court of Appeal has increased the sentence for a teenage driver responsible for a fatal accident in Lohja. The ruling highlights the legal responsibilities of young drivers with exceptional permits and the tragic human cost of irresponsible behavior on gravel roads.
Finnish police are investigating the destructive fire at Jokioisten Leipomo's main bakery as a suspected arson. The probe begins as the company's sister plant faced a smoke scare, highlighting deep trauma within the staff and a precarious fight for survival.