Prime Minister Alexander Stubb

Will Finland do OK? Will we do OK? These questions have been very topical this year. Unfortunately so. Tough negotiations in many workplaces, worries about the future – these are completely understandable concerns of every Finn and every Finnish family.

We Finns are at our best, however, when times are tough. Through unyielding determination, Finland has always come through even the most difficult situations. Now we need that determination. That characteristic strength of character that drives us to greater efforts in difficult circumstances.

Although times are tough, we’re sure to do OK. We came through the recession of the 1990s and beyond. And Finland will come through this episode OK as well.

In Finland, we are experiencing years of hard effort. In the political sphere alone, we have had to make unpleasant adjustment decisions. During this parliamentary term, these adjustments have been considerable, amounting to EUR 6.5 billion. Nevertheless, they have been absolutely necessary to ensure that Finland will also be a land worth living in for future generations.

The current Government has also launched significant structural reforms in this parliamentary term. But it must be understood that this is just an unavoidable and necessary beginning.

Next spring, politics will be dominated by the upcoming elections. In this situation, Finns deserve very clear justifications for every promise that is given. In a tight economic situation, loose promises should be avoided. Fulfilling them may be very difficult.

But, above all, Finland deserves a strong new start. In politics, this means a unified Government able to make difficult decisions – and quickly. Finns deserve this in these difficult circumstances.

But policy is only one of the elements required to get Finland moving. Change will need a contribution from every Finn.

In the past year, I have seen many encouraging examples. Many examples of the degree to which Finns have the desire and ability to make an effort.

In schools, I met thousands of young people, whose lives lie ahead of them. I encouraged them to dream, to fight against cynicism. To be themselves. And thereby succeed.

I got to thinking about caring. How much it means to us all that we care for each other. To never abandon a friend in need.

I fondly recalled my visits to homes for the elderly. The care shown by employees and volunteers. Helping people to manage.

I got to thinking about helping. The pleasure that helping brings. When you bring happiness into the lives of others.

During the year, I met people who, in their work, helped children, young people, families, students, the homeless and the unemployed. From each meeting, I drew strength and the belief that yes, we’ll do OK.

Amidst hard economic data and a difficult security policy situation, we should always keep in mind that everything depends on people. On every one of us. On how we treat each other.

Finland’s future success requires from all of us caring, helping and unyielding determination. Together, we’ll lift Finland once again. And together we’ll do OK.

Alexander Stubb
Prime Minister