(ARGM) – Public support for the Social Democratic Party (SDP) increased slightly in Finland, according to a poll by Taloustutkimus released by YLE Radio News. 25.2 per cent of respondents would vote for the SDP in next year’s legislative ballot.
(ARGM) – Public support for the Social Democratic Party (SDP) increased slightly in Finland, according to a poll by Taloustutkimus released by YLE Radio News. 25.2 per cent of respondents would vote for the SDP in next year’s legislative ballot.
The Finnish Centre Party (KESK) is second with 23.6 per cent, followed by the conservative National Rally (KOK) with 20.5 per cent, the environmentalist Green League (VIHR) with 10 per cent, and the Left Wing League (VAS) with 8.5 per cent.
Support is lower for the Christian-Democrats (KD), the Swedish People’s Party (RKP) and True Finns (PERUSS). The next legislative election is scheduled for Mar. 18, 2007.
The KESK’s Matti Vanhanen has been Finland’s prime minister since June 2003, after the resignation of Anneli Jaatteenmaki. The present coalition government encompasses the KESK, the Social Democrats and the RKP.
On Dec. 19, the government announced that Finland’s unemployment rate dropped to 7.5 per cent last month, down from 8.3 per cent in November 2005.
Polling Data
What party would you support in Finland’s next general election?
Dec. 2006 | Nov. 2006 | Oct. 2006 | |
Social Democratic Party (SDP) | 25.2% | 24.8% | 24.6% |
Finnish Centre Party (KESK) | 23.6% | 23.3% | 23.7% |
National Rally (KOK) | 20.5% | 19.8% | 20.0% |
Green League (VIHR) | 10.0% | 9.8% | 9.4% |
Left Wing League (VAS) | 8.5% | 9.6% | 10.1% |
Christian-Democrats (KD) | 5.5% | 5.7% | 5.4% |
Swedish People’s Party (RKP) | 4.1% | 4.0% | 3.7% |
True Finns (PERUSS) | 2.6% | 3.0% | 2.9% |
Source: Taloustutkimus / YLE Radio News
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,900 Finns, conducted in late November and early December 2006. Margin of error is 2 per cent.
