(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many adults in Finland prefer their current prime minister on financial matters, according to a poll by Research International Finland. 36 per cent of respondents think Matti Vanhanen has the best grasp of economic affairs.

Eero Heinaluoma of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) is a distant second with 17 per cent, followed by Jyrki Katainen of the conservative National Rally (KOK) with 14 per cent.

Matti Vanhanen—a member of the Finnish Centre Party (KESK)—has been Finland's prime minister since June 2003, after the resignation of Anneli Jaatteenmaki. The present coalition government encompasses the KESK, the SDP and the Swedish People's Party (RKP). The next legislative election is scheduled for Mar. 18.

On Feb. 5, Vanhanen said the country must significantly curb pollution by reducing the use of coal and oil in the production of electricity and heating, adding, "Downplaying climate change must be stopped immediately." The prime minister spoke after learning from a United Nations (UN) commission report, which argued that global warming could rise Finland's temperatures between 1.5 to 9 degrees Celsius over the next century.

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Which of these leaders has the best grasp of economic affairs?

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