SDP criticizes Orpo government over rising long-term unemployment

Lauri Lyly of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has criticized the Orpo government for failing to address rising long-term unemployment in Finland. Lyly noted that unemployment levels have reached figures reminiscent of the recession in the early 1990s, with over 143,000 people currently classified as long-term unemployed.

The SDP argues that the government's recent measures are insufficient. Specifically, the government plans to introduce a requirement for the long-term unemployed to participate in projects organized by entities such as NGOs, a move set to take effect next year with approximately 13 million euros allocated. Additionally, 20 million euros has been set aside for skill vouchers this year. Lyly dismissed these amounts as inadequate, calculating that they amount to only about 90 to 140 euros per unemployed person.

Lyly further criticized the government for cutting previous support tools, such as municipal wage subsidies, and noted that a 50 million euro youth employment voucher has yet to be implemented due to excessive bureaucracy.