(Angus Reid Global Scan) – The Social Democratic Party (SDP) remains the most popular political organization 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 the next election to the Diet.
(Angus Reid Global Scan) – The Social Democratic Party (SDP) remains the most popular political organization 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 the next election to the Diet.
The Finnish Centre Party (KESK) is second with 24 per cent, followed by the conservative National Rally (KOK) with 20.8 per cent, the environmentalist Green League (VIHR) with 8.7 per cent, and the Left Wing League (VAS) with 8.2 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 March 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 Jun. 9, KOK member Sauli Niinisto—who lost in January’s presidential run-off to SDP incumbent Tarja Halonen—said he would become a candidate in next year’s general election, but ruled out seeking the prime ministership.
In a speech delivered during a KESK conference in Oulu, Vanhanen warned about the possibility of a broader coalition government—which would conceivably include the KOK—saying such an agreement would “paralyze the ability to reform.”
Polling Data
What party would you support in Finland’s next general election?
May 2006 | Apr. 2006 | Mar. 2006 | |
Social Democratic Party (SDP) | 25.2% | 25.2% | 25.6% |
Finnish Centre Party (KESK) | 24.0% | 24.3% | 23.5% |
National Rally (KOK) | 20.8% | 21.5% | 21.9% |
Green League (VIHR) | 8.7% | 9.4% | 9.1% |
Left Wing League (VAS) | 8.2% | 8.6% | 8.6% |
Christian-Democrats (KD) | 5.3% | 5.3% | 4.9% |
Swedish People’s Party (RKP) | 4.6% | 3.2% | 4.2% |
True Finns (PERUSS) | 2.6% | 2.3% | 2.2% |
Source: Taloustutkimus / YLE Radio News
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,900 Finns, conducted in May 2006. Margin of error is 2 per cent.
