Photo: Topias Dean Sitra
- Previous Article Heureka’s Power of Play exhibition sold to Kuwait’s leading science centre
- Next Article Finnish exporters lose confidence in US as Trump’s trade policies unsettle markets
Confidence in the future is declining in Finland, with fewer people believing in a better tomorrow for their municipality, the country, or humanity as a whole, according to Sitra’s latest Futures Barometer. While most Finns remain optimistic about their personal future, trust in broader societal progress is fading.
Only 14% of respondents expect their own future to be worse than the present, and over half believe they can influence their own path.
However, just 18% see a better future for Finland, a sharp drop of 11 percentage points from the previous survey in 2023. Optimism about humanity’s future is even lower, with only 11% holding a positive outlook.
Regional disparities are evident. The bleakest views come from South Savo, where half of the respondents see their municipality’s future worsening. In contrast, residents of Pirkanmaa are the most optimistic, with 37% expecting improvement. People in rural areas are generally more pessimistic than those in cities.
The survey also reveals a growing disconnect between citizens and decision-makers. Only 15% of Finns feel they have a say in shaping their municipality’s future, and nearly half believe they lack opportunities to participate in discussions about local governance. Just 11% think regional policymakers have an inspiring vision, while 64% disagree. At the municipal level, confidence is slightly higher, with 21% believing in their leaders’ vision.
Economic concerns dominate the political landscape ahead of Finland’s 2025 municipal and regional elections. Jobs, national security, and preserving the welfare state are the key issues influencing voter decisions. While these topics have consistently been priorities, job creation has gained particular importance.
Sitra’s experts warn that Finland needs more than short-term crisis management. A lack of long-term planning and citizen involvement is weakening trust in local democracy. The report calls for decision-makers to present clear, inspiring visions for the future to counteract rising uncertainty and disengagement.
HT
- Previous Article Heureka’s Power of Play exhibition sold to Kuwait’s leading science centre
- Next Article Finnish exporters lose confidence in US as Trump’s trade policies unsettle markets
Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
