The True Finns Want to Make Immigrants Work 0 8

According to the chairman of the True Finns party, Finance Minister Riikka Purra, Finland should take a cue from Denmark: to receive social benefits, migrants should be compelled to perform unpaid work.

– In Denmark, social benefits, particularly the minimum income support, are tied to the obligation to work 37.5 hours a week. This requirement primarily applies to foreigners and involves performing simple tasks such as cleaning or collecting branches, which do not take away real jobs from anyone, Purra explained in an interview with the True Finns party publication Suomen Uutiset.

The politician's statements became the subject of widespread public discussion late last week after Purra defended her position on the social media platform X.

In social media, the minister's initial statement was perceived as a disregard for the work of cleaners. Criticism was also voiced by representatives of the largest opposition party, the SDP.

In particular, Social Democratic Party MPs Joonas Räsänen and Nasima Razmyar criticized the proposal in an interview with Helsingin Sanomat and reminded that mandatory work would also affect indigenous Finns. They noted that in the Danish model, higher requirements are counterbalanced by significant resources for employment and integration.

Political commentator Marika Paukkeri from Yle emphasizes that the main message from the Finance Minister should be viewed in the context of the upcoming parliamentary elections. This initiative is primarily a signal to the supporters of the True Finns and part of the election rhetoric.

She points out that there is no consensus on this issue among the parties, and moreover, the government’s term is already nearing its end, so it is unlikely that the cabinet will initiate such innovations.

An obstacle to the model that Purra wants to implement is likely to be the Constitution of Finland. According to the Constitution, everyone must be guaranteed a basic minimum standard of living. No one can be placed in an unequal position without valid reasons, such as on the basis of origin or language.

Election Rhetoric Intensifies

As new elections approach, representatives of the governing parties are making increasingly bold proposals.

Government party representatives are now emphasizing their own goals in their speeches. Not all proposed measures are based on common agreements.

The rating of the True Finns has significantly decreased during their time in government. It is quite possible that the party is trying to boost its popularity ahead of the next elections.