Finland Times

The country’s political parties have been increasing the number of new members in the main organisations and their fronts in recent times.

The Vihreät (Green Party) and Perussuomalainen (True Finn) have witnessed a significant growth in their membership compared to that of other parties after the last parliamentary polls held in 2011.

The Perussuomalainen has gained 3,000 new members after the elections, with the total number of party members standing at 8,200 at present.

After the 2011 elections, 3,000 members have joined the party, although many of the old members left at the same time, said Perussuomalainen Register Manager Heidi Ronkainen.

The Perussuomalainen already has turned into the country’s seventh largest political party, followed by the vihreät. But the number of members of the Vihreät has also been on the rise since the last elections.

The Vihreät now has about 8,000 members, said Vihreät Register Manager Risto Kankaapää.

The Vihreät manager said the hike in membership of Perussuomalainen also encouraged others to join the Vihreät.

He said the controversy about Vihreät leader and Minister for International Development Heidi Hautala did not have any negative impact on the party image.

Hauatal is being widely criticised by the media for renovation and cleaning activities and pension bills. She is also alleged to be connected with the black market.

Earlier, Hautala resigned from the ministerial working group following the allegations but continues as a minister. 

The total membership of the country’s four major political parties  – the Keskusta (Centre Party), Suomen Sosialidemokraattinen Puolue (Social Democratic Party), Kansallinen Kokoomus  (National Coalition Party) and Vasemmistoliitto (Left Alliance) - now stands at around 25,000, although the number was more than 500000 three decades ago.