The left is rising, and the far right is reeling. Will I finally see the Finland I dreamed of? | Mike Watson

In Finnish politics, some hope is beginning to emerge after a long, dark winter .

The far-right Finns party saw its vote share collapse, from 20% in 2023 to 7.6% now.

Centre-left Social Democratic party ( SDP ) with the biggest vote share nationwide ( 23% ) The next general election could be as late as 2027 .

Even Finland ’s far-right parties have rushed to distance themselves from Russia since its invasion of Ukraine .

This is, after all, a country that recognises the dangers posed by autocratic leaders.

Perhaps, then, Finland has this to teach the rest of the world: that cuts to welfare and public spending are popular until they hit voters in their pockets.