Supplementing the 2022 budget

Key points of the debate

Parliament engaged in a broad and fierce debate on the supplementary budget for 2022 and the state of central government finances following the coronavirus pandemic. The government parties highlighted the rapid growth and improved employment generated by stimulus economic policies and effective handling of the pandemic. The opposition, by contrast, sharply criticised the Government for slipping from spending limits, excessive indebtedness during an economic upturn, and rising living costs.

• –Is central government indebtedness irresponsible during an economic upturn?
• –Should spending limits be adhered to more strictly?
• –Are the measures sufficient to resolve the healthcare crisis and labour shortage?
• –Should fuel and energy taxation be reduced to safeguard citizens' purchasing power?

• Social DemocratsIn favour

  The SDP defended the budget, taking the view that properly calibrated economic policy had elevated Finland to the European forefront in economic and employment figures.

  ”Hallituksen talouspolitiikka ja koronakriisin hoito on ollut vahvasti kytkeytynyttä koko kriisin ajan.”

• Centre PartyIn favour

  The Centre Party supported the budget, stating that stimulus and successful handling of the pandemic had shielded the economy from collapse and boosted employment.

  ”Hyvä koronanhoito on ollut hyvää taloudenhoitoa: kuoppa ei kasvanut liian syväksi, ja siitä on kyetty nousemaan.”

• GreensIn favour

  The Greens supported the proposal, highlighting investments in combating climate change, the green transition, skills, and recovery from the coronavirus crisis.

  ”Hallituspuolueet ovat onnistuneet talouden ja työllisyyden osalta hyvin erittäin vaikeista olosuhteista huolimatta.”

• Left AllianceIn favour

  The Left Alliance supported the budget because it implements important equality reforms and looks after the most vulnerable instead of pursuing a policy of cuts.

  ”On hienoa, että tämä hallitus tekee monta isoa tasa-arvouudistusta, jotka parantavat konkreettisesti ihmisten arkea.”

• Swedish People's PartyIn favour

  The SPP supported the proposal, considering that the economy had recovered rapidly and viewing investments in clearing the care backlog and boosting employment as necessary.

  ”Viime vuoden taloudellinen notkahdus on kuitenkin vaihtunut nopeaan elpymiseen, mutta alijäämä on edelleen suuri.”

• National Coalition PartyAgainst

  The National Coalition Party opposed the proposal, arguing that the Government was breaching spending limits, taking on debt recklessly, and neglecting necessary structural employment reforms.

  ”Vastuuttoman ylivelkaantumisen varaan ei voi rakentaa. Se romuttaa mahdollisuutemme taata hyvinvointiyhteiskunta ja kestävä ympäristö lapsillemme.”

• Finns PartyAgainst

  The Finns Party opposed the proposal and tabled a motion of no confidence in the Government, criticising reckless borrowing, handing money abroad, and rising transport costs.

  ”Perussuomalaiset ja monet asiantuntijat ovat arvostelleet hallituksen talouspolitiikkaa myötäsykliseksi.”

• Christian DemocratsAgainst

  The Christian Democrats opposed the Government's economic policy and supported the motion of no confidence, noting that the budget increases national debt and fails to address the apparent care crisis.

  ”Suomi on hyvä maa, ei huono, mutta sillä on valitettavasti tällä hetkellä heikko hallitus, joka ei pysty tekemään kestävää talouspolitiikkaa.”

• Movement NowAgainst

  Movement Now opposed the policy, criticising the continuation of debt-financed stimulus when the market had already turned to growth.

  ”Mutta minkä takia velkaelvytys on nyt jätetty päälle? Rahaa työnnetään surutta markkinoille, ja tämä päättyy erittäin huonosti ennemmin tai myöhemmin.”

• Power Belongs to the PeopleAgainst

  Power Belongs to the People opposed the budget and accused the Government of eroding citizens' freedom and livelihood.

  ”Ettekö te, hyvät kollegat, oikeasti ymmärrä, missä tilassa tämä maa nyt on ja minkälaiseen ahdinkoon koko kansa on toimienne kautta ajautunut?”

This digest was generated by AI from 188 speeches 13 Sep 2026. Group positions are read from the speeches, not from votes; quotations were checked verbatim against the record. The longest speeches were shortened in the digest's source material.