Alexander Stubb
The resigned Government visits the President of the Republic on 29 May 2015

(Check against delivery)

Mr President,

You have now granted resignation to my Government, which took office in June 2014. We worked in Finland’s service for almost a year, with the aim of implementing the savings decisions made by the previous Government and furthering the implementation of the structural reforms.

The Government had to work in extremely challenging circumstances, with the continuing weak economic development and rapidly changing foreign policy environment. These challenges, which are not temporary and for which there are no simple solutions, still exist for the new Government to address.

The Government's economic policy has been guided by two principles: to put public finances on a sustainable footing and to create preconditions for growth.

The Budget total is decreasing for the second year running. The decisions to consolidate public finances have not been easy and, unfortunately, significant consolidation measures will still be necessary to stop the rise in the debt ratio.

To create preconditions for growth, the Government focused on infrastructure, growth sectors and entrepreneurship. But there is no single easy solution. Economic improvement is achieved and confidence restored gradually ­– small streams make big rivers. There will be no investments, new jobs or growth without confidence. The Government has successfully contributed to restoring confidence in the marine industry.

The only way to rescue our welfare state is to introduce reforms that improve its sustainability. The resigning Government started with these reforms, for example by decreasing local government responsibilities.

The Government pursued the social welfare and health care reform together with the opposition. We made good progress but could not resolve the consitutional challenges involved in such a short time. I wish that the new Government will push the social welfare and health care reform through. It is not only of economic importance but, first and foremost, of major importance to equality and wellbeing in society.

We also moved forward with digitalisation and better regulation. The National Service Channel is being prepared as planned. The Government managed to increase digital services, simplify permit procedures and reduce the administrative burden.

Mr President,

Finland's foreign and security policy environment has changed. We have mainly been concerned with the crisis in Ukraine and the security situation in the Baltic Sea region, which has worsened due to the crisis. We have decisively reacted, as part of the European Union, to Russia's actions that violate international law. Our policy has been clear.

In difficult conditions, the state leadership's ability to act is also measured. I am happy with the cooperation – both official and unofficial – between the President of the Republic and the Government in foreign and security policy.

The Government successfully promoted Finland's EU policy objectives. Rapid progress has been made in the development of the digital single market, better regulation and the energy union. At the same time, Europe is facing strong migratory pressures due to the crises in the Middle East and North Africa. Finland has taken responsibility for the situation by participating in EU operations in the Mediterranean, by maintaining an increased refugee quota and by providing development aid.

Within the EU, the situations in the United Kingdom and Greece are coming to a culmination point. The UK is preparing for a referendum on its EU membership, and the economic sustainability of Greece has become questionable again because of its own actions. The Government has been clear throughout that each member of Economic and Monetary Union has the primary responsibility for its own economic policy and debt.

Mr President,

It is time to honestly admit that the Government did not succeed in all its ambitions. In my greeting address last year, I spoke about working together while being transparent and respecting the efforts of others. Unfortunately, not all the internal rules were always followed. Lack of mutual trust also impaired our decision-making capacity.

Now that the new Government begins its work, everyone will have new roles with new opportunities. It is in Finland's best interest that we are capable of making decisions, even difficult ones, and that we respect and trust each other. That will be the only way to Finland's recovery. That will be the only way to make the hundred years old Finland the best country in the world for people to be born, to live, and to die.

Mr President,

On behalf of the resigning government, I would like to express my gratitude for our cooperation and for the support you have given us.