Finnish electorate signal eurosceptic leanings

17/04/11 12:23 CET

world news

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Finnish voters are going to the polls in a general election that could have a direct effect on Portugal’s request for an economic bailout from the EU.

Pre-election opinion polls predict that support for the right wing True Finns party has rocketed to more than 15 per cent from 4 per cent.

That would put them in a prime position for a place in a coalition government.

Led by Timo Soini it is anti-immigration and anti-European Union. And Finland, unlike others in the euro zone, can put requests for financial help to a parliamentary vote.

The Social Democrats share the True Finns’ opposition to aid for Portugal. But analysts said the chances of a new government disrupting Portugal’s request for aid are slim.

Nevertheless a shift towards euro-scepticism in Finland could see the government in Helsinki taking a harder line on other EU affairs.

The polls show the National Coalition Party and the Centre party remain the two most popular.

More about: European Union, Finland, General election, Right wing party

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