Flags and hymns are not for Finns: An evaluation of the European elections in Finland before the fact

Abstract:

Nationalist sentiment is on the rise in Finland. It is reflected not only in the popularity of the True Finns, but also in the governing Centre Party’s election rhetoric. Nationality, however, is of secondary importance in the European Parliament. MEPs defend political rather than national interests.

The Finnish government’s White Paper on the EU proposes changes to decision-making in the European Parliament, but Finnish EP insiders propose changes to the Finnish Parliament’s work instead.

In Finnish party politics the National Coalition Party is more popular and confident than ever before and its rivalry with the Centre Party is deepening, whereas the Social Democrats stand to gain from the economic crisis only if they can offer credible alternatives to current policies. The smaller parties are struggling to gain a seat in the EP. The Green League has fielded a strong list, but the Swedish People’s Party and the Left Alliance are in dire straits.

The European elections are marked by an EU-wide struggle between the Socialist PES and the European People’s Party, but they have a common goal in opposing rising Euroscepticism.

The European Parliament represents the people in the EU superstructure and wields considerable legislative influence. Despite this, voting turnout has been low throughout the EU. Turnout remains the central variable in the 2009 elections. The EU is facing a crisis of confidence and legitimacy. The elections will reverse or strengthen this trend.