Finland's Prime Minister Sanna Marin has conceded defeat in the country's parliamentary election, marking the end of her era as head of government. The opposition right-wing National Coalition Party (NCP) claimed victory, winning 48 out of 200 seats, narrowly ahead of the nationalist Finns Party with 46 seats and Marin's Social Democrats on 43 seats.
Marin, just 37 years old when she took office in 2019, had been seen as a millennial role model for progressive new leaders worldwide. However, at home, her partying and government spending were criticized by many Finns, particularly conservatives. The NCP has promised to curb spending, stop public debt's rise, and implement austerity measures.
NCP leader Petteri Orpo declared that his party had "the biggest mandate" and vowed to "fix Finland" and its economy. As the first chance for Orpo to form a coalition and gain majority in parliament arrives, Marin acknowledged that her Social Democrats may govern with the NCP but will not team up with the Finns Party.
Marin's government has been marked by controversies, including public spending on pensions and education deemed too lavish by conservatives. Her push for NATO membership in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine was also contentious, with some accusing her of being overly pro-Western.
Finland is now set to join the Western defense alliance NATO, after its accession process was completed when all 30 members approved it. The move comes at a time of heightened tensions between Europe and Russia.
Marin, just 37 years old when she took office in 2019, had been seen as a millennial role model for progressive new leaders worldwide. However, at home, her partying and government spending were criticized by many Finns, particularly conservatives. The NCP has promised to curb spending, stop public debt's rise, and implement austerity measures.
NCP leader Petteri Orpo declared that his party had "the biggest mandate" and vowed to "fix Finland" and its economy. As the first chance for Orpo to form a coalition and gain majority in parliament arrives, Marin acknowledged that her Social Democrats may govern with the NCP but will not team up with the Finns Party.
Marin's government has been marked by controversies, including public spending on pensions and education deemed too lavish by conservatives. Her push for NATO membership in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine was also contentious, with some accusing her of being overly pro-Western.
Finland is now set to join the Western defense alliance NATO, after its accession process was completed when all 30 members approved it. The move comes at a time of heightened tensions between Europe and Russia.