The 2024 European elections in Finland were marked by unexpected outcomes, notably the remarkable performance of the Left Alliance, led by Li Andersson. The follow-up survey by Verian highlighted several key factors that influenced these surprising results, reshaping Finland’s political landscape.
Election Night Revelations
On the night of June 9, 2024, Li Andersson, the outgoing chairperson of the Left Alliance, celebrated with her party members in Helsinki. Her widespread personal appeal significantly contributed to the Left Alliance’s success, securing three seats in the European Parliament—a notable increase from previous years. This achievement marked one of the most surprising outcomes of the elections.
Shift in Voter Support
The survey conducted by Verian revealed that a significant number of Finns Party supporters shifted their votes to the National Coalition Party (Kokoomus). Despite pre-election polls predicting a strong performance, the Finns Party only managed to secure 7.6% of the vote, equivalent to around 139,000 votes. This was a significant drop compared to previous expectations, resulting in the party securing just one seat in the European Parliament.
The National Coalition Party benefitted from approximately 50,000 votes from former Finns Party supporters, contributing to its strong showing. Additionally, the Finns Party’s inability to mobilize its base effectively further diminished its performance.
Li Andersson’s Influence
Li Andersson’s leadership and appeal transcended party lines. The follow-up survey indicated that about 60,000 voters who previously supported the Social Democrats switched their support to the Left Alliance in this election. Andersson also attracted around 25,000 votes from Green League supporters. Her personal vote tally reached approximately 245,000, setting a new record for individual votes in European elections in Finland.
Sami Borg, the research manager at the Foundation for Municipal Development, noted that the results reflect a growing trend of voter mobility within the left-green political bloc. Voters are increasingly willing to support different parties within the bloc based on the candidates and issues at stake, rather than strictly adhering to party lines.
Voter Turnout and Abstention
Voter turnout in the 2024 European elections in Finland was 40.4%. The Verian survey identified several reasons for voter abstention:
- Lack of suitable candidates: 45%
- Distrust in politics and politicians: 43%
- Perceived remoteness of EU politics: 39%
- Lack of personal stake in the election: 38%
- Absence of a suitable party: 38%
These figures highlight the challenges political parties face in engaging the electorate and building trust in the political process.
Implications and Future Prospects
The results of the 2024 European elections in Finland have several implications:
- Policy Changes: With the Left Alliance gaining influence, there may be shifts in social and economic policies, particularly those advocating for progressive reforms.
- Coalition Dynamics: The need for coalition-building in the European Parliament could lead to new alliances, influencing both Finnish and EU-wide policies.
- Voter Engagement: The election underscored the importance of addressing voter concerns and building trust. Parties that effectively engage with voters and address their issues are likely to see continued support.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What contributed to the Left Alliance’s success in the 2024 European elections?
A1: Li Andersson’s personal appeal and leadership played a significant role, attracting votes from across the left-green political spectrum and beyond.
Q2: Why did the Finns Party underperform in the 2024 elections?
A2: The Finns Party lost a significant number of supporters to the National Coalition Party and struggled to mobilize its base effectively, leading to a poorer performance than expected.
Q3: How did voter turnout in 2024 compare to previous European elections in Finland?
A3: Voter turnout was 40.4%, reflecting ongoing challenges in engaging the electorate and building trust in the political process.
Q4: What are the main reasons for voter abstention identified in the follow-up survey?
A4: Key reasons include a lack of suitable candidates, distrust in politics, perceived remoteness of EU politics, lack of a personal stake, and absence of a suitable party.
Q5: What are the potential policy changes resulting from these election outcomes?
A5: The election results may lead to progressive shifts in social and economic policies, influenced by the increased representation of the Left Alliance in the European Parliament.
In conclusion, the 2024 European elections in Finland highlighted significant shifts in voter behavior and political dynamics, setting the stage for potential changes in both national and EU policies. The ability of political parties to address voter concerns and build trust will be crucial in shaping future election outcomes.
