Finland Times

The Vihreä liitto (Green League) is courting the Suomen Sosialidemokraattinen Puolue (Social Democratic Party of Finland-SDP), Vasemmistoliito (Left Alliance) and Suomen ruotsalainen kansanpuolue (Swedish People’s Party of Finland) for a common liberal opposition to counterbalance the conservative three-party government coalition.

Suomen Kristillisdemokraatit (Christian Democrats of Finland) is becoming “a voice crying in the wilderness”, as it has not yet found a partner in the opposition.

At a party executive meeting on Saturday, Green League Chairman Ville Niinistö defined their party as the green liberals and solidarity party.

He criticised Juha Sipilä’s choice in dropping the Green League from the government negotiations.

“He invited parties to the negotiations which have highlighted conservative values and the economic right wing, and policies of cutting government responsibilities,” Niinistö said.

In Niinistö’s view, Keskusta (Centre) rode to victory in the election with promises of much gentler policies than Kokoomus, but on the opening day of the negotiations, the three parties reached an agreement that adopted Kokoomus’s line on government spending.

“They seem to have a great willingness to cooperate, and I’m worried that the cuts will affect people’s basic welfare or services,” Niinistö said.