Parliament “Wealth is not created by pressing a button in this Chamber” – President Niinistö emphasized economic growth and balancing public finances in his opening speech

President Sauli Niinistö in his inaugural speech to parliament on wednesday, he also briefly highlighted the low turnout in regional elections and the role of new welfare states. 47.5 per cent of those entitled to vote voted in the election. However, Niinistö did not see this as a sign of the crisis of democracy.

“Perhaps a better description would be: the beginning is always tricky. And the conditions were not easy for the candidates or the voters when the corona pandemic tightened its grip again, ”he said in a speech in the Grand Chamber of Parliament.

Niinistö said that a lot of new welfare areas have now been put on guard. Ultimately, however, the responsibility lies with decision makers. He recalled that the regions depend on state funding, and it is up to the MPs to decide.

“But no money or wealth is created by pressing a button in this hall,” he said.

Niinistö reminded that the social reform has been expected to help rebalance the economy.

“Finland needs both economic growth and balancing public finances. One of the promises of sote reform was that it would help the latter. That is also what it is allowed to expect. ”