Finland's Prime Minister Sanna Marin has conceded defeat in the country's parliamentary election, marking the end of her tenure as leader. The opposition National Coalition Party (NCP) claimed victory, winning 48 seats and narrowly ahead of the nationalist Finns Party with 46 seats, while Marin's Social Democrats secured 43 seats.
Marin, who was just 37 years old when she took office in 2019, has been a prominent figure on the international stage. Her push for Finland to join NATO, in conjunction with President Sauli Niinisto, has been one of her most notable foreign policy actions since taking office. The country's accession process is now almost complete, pending approval from all 30 members of the Western defense alliance.
Marin acknowledged that the NCP had won the biggest mandate and vowed to "fix Finland" and its economy. Petteri Orpo, leader of the NCP, promised austerity measures and an end to rising public debt, which has reached over 70% of GDP since Marin's tenure began.
However, Marin also conceded that her party had not finished first in the election and acknowledged that she would likely lose her position as Prime Minister. She expressed support for negotiations with various groups to form a coalition government.
Marin, who is considered by many as a millennial role model for progressive leaders, has faced criticism at home over issues such as partying and public spending. While she remains popular among many Finns, particularly young moderates, her opponents have capitalized on concerns about lavish spending on pensions and education.
Marin, who was just 37 years old when she took office in 2019, has been a prominent figure on the international stage. Her push for Finland to join NATO, in conjunction with President Sauli Niinisto, has been one of her most notable foreign policy actions since taking office. The country's accession process is now almost complete, pending approval from all 30 members of the Western defense alliance.
Marin acknowledged that the NCP had won the biggest mandate and vowed to "fix Finland" and its economy. Petteri Orpo, leader of the NCP, promised austerity measures and an end to rising public debt, which has reached over 70% of GDP since Marin's tenure began.
However, Marin also conceded that her party had not finished first in the election and acknowledged that she would likely lose her position as Prime Minister. She expressed support for negotiations with various groups to form a coalition government.
Marin, who is considered by many as a millennial role model for progressive leaders, has faced criticism at home over issues such as partying and public spending. While she remains popular among many Finns, particularly young moderates, her opponents have capitalized on concerns about lavish spending on pensions and education.