THE SOCIAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY has presented a 2.5-billion-euro fiscal adjustment package as an alternative to the spending cuts and tax hikes announced by the government on Tuesday. Antti Lindtman, the chairperson of the Social Democrats, admitted on YLE A-studio on Wednesday that Finland has to take action to reduce its debt burden ..read more

PRIME MINISTER Petteri Orpo (NCP) has defended the fiscal adjustment package ironed out at the newly concluded framework session. Orpo on Tuesday stated on YLE A-studio that the government decided to build its effort on a 1.5-percentage-point increase in the general value-added tax rate, from 24.0 to 25.5 per cent, because it causes the least possible damage to economic and employment growth ..read more

On April 22, 2024, the Digital and Population Data Services Agency will release updated versions of the Suomi.fi mobile application for both Android and iOS platforms. This major update will not only revamp the visual appearance and functionality of the app but also improve its usability, accessibility, and navigation structure. Importantly, the update will phase out the support for older versions of the app, necessitating users to upgrade to continue services seamlessly ..read more

In a significant expansion of healthcare services, the Uusimaa Medical Helpline will begin offering remote appointments for children starting April 19, 2024. This service allows parents in Uusimaa, excluding Helsinki, to access medical consultations via video for their children, enhancing the convenience and accessibility of pediatric care. The decision to include children in remote healthcare services follows the successful implementation of similar services for adults since October 2021 ..read more

Over the past ten years, traffic accidents have claimed the lives of 197 motorcyclists and 36 moped riders in Finland, highlighting significant safety concerns on Finnish roads. According to a recent analysis by the Accident Data Institute (OTI), over half of the motorcyclists killed were speeding, and a third were under the influence of alcohol at the time of their accidents. The study also noted issues with modified mopeds and improperly secured helmets in moped-related fatalities ..read more

A recent survey conducted by YTK Unemployment Fund reveals a significant perception among Finns that age is a major hurdle in securing employment, especially for those over 45. The study, which involved nearly 23,000 participants from various industries across Finland, highlighted that a majority of respondents aged 55 to 64 view their age as the primary obstacle to finding a job. Despite last year’s decrease in the cost of electricity, which strained many household budgets, unpaid utility bills continue to lead to credit defaults among Finnish consumers ..read more

Helsinki is set to celebrate its vibrant culture with the 2024 Helsinki Festival, scheduled from August 15 to September 1. The festival's program, now finalized, features an exciting mix of performances including a contemporary dance piece by Akram Khan Company, a new concert version of Modest Mussorgsky's opera "Khovanshchina" directed by Esa-Pekka Salonen, and a unique composition by Lauri Porra involving 125 bass instruments ..read more

Despite a significant drop in electricity prices last year, many Finnish consumers still struggle to pay their electric bills, leading to a persistent high level of credit defaults. A recent report from Suomen Asiakastieto Oy reveals that from January to March 2024, over 2,100 new payment default entries were registered due to unpaid electricity bills. "We have been monitoring the phenomenon related to electricity prices and household payment difficulties since the beginning of 2022 ..read more

Helsinki is set to host its inaugural "Edible Helsinki" food weeks from May 24 to June 16, 2024, celebrating the city’s diverse culinary scene. Nearly a hundred events have been organized in collaboration between local restaurants, tourism bodies, and event organizers, offering something for everyone from fine dining aficionados to burger enthusiasts, and lovers of both traditional and ethnic cuisines ..read more

THE GOVERNMENT of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (NCP) on Tuesday announced it has agreed on 1.6 billion euros worth of spending cuts and 1.4 billion euros worth of tax increases as part of its effort to avoid triggering the excessive deficit procedure of the EU. The measures were agreed on in the two-day framework session that concluded on Tuesday, 16 April ..read more