HELSINKI, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Political divisions were evident as Finnish party leaders gave their speeches on the first day of May. The speeches were paid more than usual attention as alternatives for a new coalition government remain wide open.
Polarization over the climate policies increased as Antti Lindtman, the chair of the Social Democratic Party's parliamentary caucus, assured that the party would definitely finance the infrastructure required for a major new biomass plant in Kemi, northern Finland.
Green Party chairman Pekka Haavisto on Wednesday reiterated his demand that the forest industry, as a whole, should bear its responsibility for the environment.
Observers noted that the possibility looms that the greens could remain outside the cabinet if the forest industry issue persists. It is believed that any increased use of wood would further reduce the forest carbon sink.
Besides, the social democratic leader Antti Rinne assured he would keep his promise of an increase in lowest pensions. Addressing crowds at the Helsinki Railroad Square, he also said a thousand more doctors would be hired to primary health care to shorten the waiting queues.
His party winning the leading position as the biggest party in the parliament, Rinne is currently assigned with the task to negotiate a ruling coalition within this month.
Jussi Halla-aho, chairman of the populist Finns Party, criticized the Finnish system of forming coalitions. "Even parties almost totally opposed in their programs can become allies in a coalition. This reduces the impact of the vote of an individual citizen."
Halla-aho said that the Swedish system where parties form blocks in advance is better as voters know which kind of government they are voting for.
He also noted the refusal of many parties to exclude one party in advance is problematic. He was referring to the reluctance of many Finnish parties to stand along with Finns Party in the coalition.
