Finland Times

 

Antti Rinne, the Chair of Suomen Sosialidemokraattinen Puolue (Social Democratic Party of Finland)-SDP. File Photo Lehtikuva.

Antti Rinne, the Chair of Suomen Sosialidemokraattinen Puolue (Social Democratic Party of Finland-SDP), the second largest component of the four party-alliance government on Sunday criticised the government’s main component Kansallinen Kokoomus (National Coalition Party)-NCP stating that NCP had already thrown in the towel months before the elections.Rinne, who is also the Finance Minister said he is worried that the other government party does not want to use the remaining months to improve the situation of the country's economy.

 

Rinne referred to a recent interview by Agriculture and Forestry Minister and Kokkomus leader Petteri Orpo in which Orpo reportedly said that cooperation with SDP is coming to an end.The current government has still about three months in office. Rinne believes the atmosphere of giving up is wrong. 

 

The SDP leader said the government is still partially handling social welfare and health-care reforms, split of child home care allowance and subjective termination of day-care.

 

The Finance Minister said resting on laurels for months cannot be afforded with regard to the unemployment situation.In a swift reaction, Orpo dismissed Rinne's views saying that NCP is still willing to make decisions to overturn the economic situation.

 

Agriculture and Forestry Minister and Kokkomus leader Petteri Orpo. File Photo Lehtikuva.

Prime Minister Alexander Stubb who was on a visit to Paris on Sunday briefly commented on Rinne's remarks saying the boxing gloves have been put on.However, Rinne described the current cooperation in the government as "quite reasonable". 

 

Rinne said there is nothing in sight like a political crisis which would threaten to change the government into a caretaker government.

 

Furthermore, according to Rinne, nothing has happened which in the future would prevent cooperation.

 

The clear difference in views between SDP and NCP relates to what kind of economic policy should be practiced henceforth, explained Rinne.Rinne said NCP’s view is based on public finance cutbacks which means reduction of services, whereas SDP holds that middle-income earners have right to good services and by the same token, the ones in much weaker positions should be taken care of.