Government finalises budget proposals
The government has put the finishing touches to its budget proposal for next year. Tax increases will bring some 1.3 billion euros into state coffers while spending cuts will total some 400 million euros.
The 2013 budget totals 53.9 billion euros, representing a deficit of 6.6 billion euros. State indebtedness will rise next year to 95 billion euros.
The budget blueprint will be published on Wednesday. Government will then debate the plan before passing it on to Parliament next month. Coalition parties ironed out the details of the budget last spring.
Earlier Urpilainen said that although economic growth next year would be slower than previously projected, there would be no dramatic changes in the government's fiscal programme.
Opposition call for recovery measures
In reaction to the budget, both opposition parties have demanded a braver stance from the Finance Ministry in dealing with the current financial situation.
Finns Party chair Timo Soini called for recovery measures instead of more belt tightening. He said the budget lacked substance for employment and industry. Soini added that the proposed increase in value-added tax (VAT) would hit low-income earners the most.
Centre Party leader Juha Sipilä commented that the government’s budget was built on sand. He noted it did not contain any measures to promote growth and warned that Finland could slip into recession.
Latest in: News
Researcher: Schoolkids need more sleep
Finnish school children are suffering more disruption to their sleep, pain symptoms and concurrent multiple health problems, according to a doctoral dissertation to be presented on Friday at Turku University.
New ministers take their posts
The SDP’s ministerial rejig takes effect from Friday, giving the cabinet a majority of women. Two new ministers join the cabinet, two leave, and one changes post.
Research shows increased inbreeding in endangered wolf population
A doctoral dissertation presented on Friday at Oulu University has found that the Finnish wolf population has been hunted to such an extent that even its short-term viability is under threat. The genetic diversity of Finland’s wolves also decreased significantly during the 15-year study.
Allotment gardens bring community spirit
Spring brings many citydwellers to community gardens – including growing numbers of immigrants.
Starbucks to open in landmark Aalto building?
The world’s largest coffeeshop chain plans to open its first non-airport café in Finland at Helsinki’s Academic Bookshop, Yle has learned.
Valio recalls salad mix over datura fears
A second food product has been withdrawn in Finland because of a risk that it could contain poisonous seeds.
Five-vehicle crash near Kotka kills two
Part of Highway 7 remained closed for more than five hours after the collision.
Swine flu shots boosted adult risk of narcolepsy, too
The national health agency has confirmed that kids weren't the only ones with an elevated risk following the H1N1 jab a few years ago.
Nine people now affected by datura poisoning
Nine people have now been affected by datura contamination from frozen vegetables sold by a Finnish supermarket. Most symptoms are mild, with dry mouth, a quickening pulse and weakened vision the main effects, but some people have required hospital treatment.
Finland criticised again in Amnesty report
The human rights organisation’s annual report is highly critical of Finland’s treatment of asylum seekers. Finland was condemned for deporting asylum seekers without in-country appeals, and the practice of incarcerating children seeking refugee status in police facilities.
