Finland Times

 

Newly elected Kokoomus Chief Alexander Stubb addressed at party council in Lahti on Sunday. Photo – Lehtikuva.

Alexander Stubb, the newly elected chair of the Kansallinen Kokoomus (National Coalition Party), the biggest component of the five-party ruling alliance on Sunday said he wants to have the decision taken during the March budget framework talks about raising the school-leaving age re-evaluated.

 

The government during the spending-limits negotiations proposed to increase the school-leaving age to 17. 

 

Stubb, who is set to become the next prime minister, told Kokoomus delegates convened at the Sibelius Hall in Lahti that he would like to spearhead a positive way of engaging in politics.

 

He also promised to value high opinions held by everyone.

 

“Finland needs a better way of engaging in politics,” said Stubb in his first address as the party chair.

 

He said the role of politics is to reform the society in a constructive way and it by no means is a platform to bark to others.

 

The newly elected leaders of the party at the council session. Photo – Lehtikuva.

On the contentious issue of child benefit cuts, Stubb promised that the matter may still be reassessed as long as the saving target is not compromised.

 

According to Stubb, the government has to stick by the decisions reached in March during the budget framework talks and the saving targets must not be breached.

 

Stubb stressed that the government’s main task in the next 10 months is to implement the decisions already made. He also said the government should be able to build mutual trust.

 

In Stubb’s view, extending work life and reducing unemployment cannot be achieved without reaching new decisions. The structural reform package, according to him, has to be supplemented during the August budget session.

 

Commenting on the metropolitan government in the greater Helsinki region, Stubb said the government would not be needed, if it is felt that it is no longer necessary by the social and health care reform plans.