The National Coalition Party (KOK), led by Mr. Petteri Orpo, came first, taking 48 seats in the 200-member parliament. It took 10 more seats than the previous elections held in 2019. The Finns Party (PS), led by Ms. Riikka Purra, also increased its share of seats from 39 to 46 and became the second largest force. The Social Democratic Party (SDP), led by Prime Minister Sanna Marin (see note), also won more seats but finished third. Ms. Marin conceded defeat. 

The 2023 elections were held against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine that started in February 2022. Of the European Union members, Finland shares the longest border with Russia. In May 2022, Finland submitted its application to join NATO and joined officially the Organization on 4 April 2023. The war in Ukraine has increased the cost of living in Finland and the country’s public debt. The major electoral issues in 2023 were the economy, policies to curb deficit spending and immigration. On 12 April 2023, the newly elected Parliament held its first session and elected Mr. Orpo as its Acting Speaker, who will lead Parliament until the formation of the new government. The following day, President Sauli Niinistö officially opened the new Parliament. He stated that the era of Finland’s military non-alignment had come to an end and underscored the major role that Parliament would play in Finland as a NATO member. 

Note:
Ms. Marin had succeeded Mr. Antti Rinne in December 2019 at the age of 34 thereby becoming Finland’s youngest prime minister.