SAK Chairman urges employment focus in Finnish budget talks

As the Orpo government convenes for its final budget negotiations, SAK Chairman Jarkko Eloranta has called for urgent action to address Finland's record unemployment and national debt. Eloranta emphasized that the economy, businesses, and the unemployed cannot afford to leave employment issues for the next administration to resolve.

Eloranta noted that while signs of economic growth are emerging due to strengthening international economies and increased purchasing power, government tax decisions and indirect tax increases, such as VAT hikes, have reduced workers' purchasing power.

With over 350,000 unemployed individuals in Finland—including nearly 150,000 long-term unemployed and 50,000 under the age of 25—the SAK leader is advocating for active employment policies. He highlighted that many unemployed individuals rely on basic support of approximately €800 per month, and more than half of those receiving earnings-related allowances have been affected by benefit cuts.