The PM said the government’s employment targets will be difficult to achieve.
Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (NCP) on Sunday said job targets are slipping, rejected calls to resign, and insisted Finland’s security remains stable despite global tensions.
With little economic growth on the horizon, Orpo said the government’s employment goals will be difficult to reach.
The government has set a goal of creating 100,000 new jobs during its term in office.
Speaking on the prime minister’s question hour on Yle Radio 1, Orpo said that, given the current situation, the target will be hard to achieve.
Dismisses resignation calls
Both Sofia Virta, leader of the Greens, and the SDP’s Antti Lindtman have called on Orpo to resign on the back of budget framework talks this week that resulted in cuts to social and healthcare services.
“Calls for resignation are very typical opposition rhetoric,” he noted.
Asked whether he intends to step down, Orpo dismissed the idea.
“The government’s work is not finished. We have shown exceptional decision-making and cooperation. I stand by our decisions,” he said.
US cooperation good
On the foreign policy front, the premier characterised US President Donald Trump‘s rhetoric as “harsh and aggressive.”
“The good thing is that practical cooperation between Finland and the United States is working well,” Orpo said.
The United States has suspended arms deliveries to Estonia due to the Iran war. Orpo, however, said the war involving Iran does not affect Finland’s defence capability.
Commenting on Ukrainian drones that have strayed into Finland, Orpo said Finland’s readiness regarding them is now better than before.
The Defence Forces recently said it will involve reservists in monitoring Finland’s territorial integrity.
“That has been deemed necessary, and the Defence Forces will call up the required number,” Orpo said when asked about how many reservists would be involved.
Asked whether Finland has requested assistance from Nato allies in regard to drones, Orpo said no help has been needed, adding that he was not aware of any new drone sightings.
