Finance Minister Riikka Purra speaks to the media at the Parliament in Helsinki on 25 November 2025. Photo: Antti Aimo-Koivisto / Lehtikuva
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Finance Minister Riikka Purra has proposed that access to basic social assistance in Finland be limited to those who have lived in the country for at least ten years.
The proposal, published in a column for Maaseudun Tulevaisuus and shared on social media, suggests that the current welfare system has drifted from its original intent and now functions as a primary income . These include new obligations for applicants to first seek primary benefits such as unemployment or student aid. Failing to do so could lead to a 50 percent reduction in assistance.
The reforms also aim to cut €70 million from the social assistance budget and reduce long-term dependency. Applicants may face reduced basic support if they do not register as jobseekers or engage in integration training.
According to Purra, Finland’s model lags behind those of its Nordic neighbours. In Sweden, reforms have halved the number of recipients. Denmark, she said, only grants reduced support to immigrants and requires 37 hours of weekly work to qualify.
She criticised previous administrations for policies she claimed allowed student family members to access welfare immediately, despite being expected to support themselves. “The system was never intended for this. No amount of money will cover this kind of generosity,” Purra stated.
HT
- Next Article Orpo: Finland not ready to give NATO-style guarantees for Ukraine
Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
