Mon, 19 May, 2014 12:00:18 AM
FTimes-STT Report, May 19
Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen spoke during an interview with Yle Radio on Sunday. Photo Lehtikuva
Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen on Sunday said he wants the next government to uphold the austerity measures taken by his government during the budget framework talks.
Speaking in what is billed as his second last Radio Suomi prime minister’s interview hour, Katainen said the debt spiral will not be curbed unless adjustments are made.
The Finnish trade union confederation SAK has demanded that the government renegotiate the pension freeze which will see cuts in pension indices.
Katainen reminded that the adjustments were agreed on in order to stabilise the economy.
According to the premier, sale of state-owned assets is a good avenue which can be used to reduce the state’s debt.
The sale is expected to raise up to 1.9 billion euros of which 600 million euros is planned to be used for stimulating the economy.
Replying to a question regarding the Fennovoima nuclear power plant project, Katainen said issuance of the licence will depend on the ownership structure of the project.
The condition for granting of the permit demands that Finns have a clear majority stake in the project.
