The conservative national coalition is set to win the parliamentary elections in Finland. The right-wing populist party The Finns is in second place, the public broadcaster YLE reported tonight. Prime Minister Sanna Marin’s ruling Social Democrats came third.
“With this result, we are beginning to build a new government for Finland,” announced the 53-year-old Orpo. The head of the Finns’ party, Riikka Purra, said after the first extrapolation that if the result were confirmed, it would be excellent. Nevertheless, we continue to strive for first place.
Marin concedes defeat
Marin has already admitted her party’s defeat. “Congratulations to the election winner, congratulations to the National Coalition, congratulations to The Finns party. Democracy has spoken,” said the 37-year-old head of government in front of supporters of her party in the evening.
After almost all the votes were counted, the National Coalition got 20.8 percent, while the right-wing populist party The Finns was just ahead of the Social Democrats (19.9 percent) with 20.1 percent of the vote.