Black Friday, the annual shopping extravaganza, has become synonymous with incredible deals and discounts across various categories. For fashion enthusiasts, it's the perfect opportunity to revamp their wardrobe with stylish pieces without emptying their wallets. Navigating Black Friday clothing sales requires strategy and planning, but the rewards are well worth the effort. In this guide, we'll explore how you can make the most of Black Friday deals to find fashion treasures on a budget.

Minister of Science and Culture Sari Multala (NCP) arrived for a joint presser before the ruling parties commenced their inaugural budget session in Helsinki on Tuesday, 19 September 2023. Multala on Wednesday told Helsingin Sanomat that it remains impossible to say how much of the investments the government intends to make in research, development and innovation will be channelled to universities. (Heikki Saukkomaa – Lehtikuva)

MINISTER of Science and Culture Sari Multala (NCP) on Wednesday stated to Helsingin Sanomat that it is premature to estimate how much of the 280 million euros earmarked for research, development and innovation in the newly unveiled budget draft will go to universities.

“It’s impossible to say in advance because a large share of the funding goes through competitive funding at both at the Academy of Finland and Business Finland. Universities can benefit from the funding through both channels,” she elaborated.

Men in a meeting in Helsinki. LEHTIKUVA

According to the updated Glass Ceiling Index by the Finnish Business and Policy Forum (EVA), the proportion of women in leadership positions in Finland stood at 36.3 percent in 2022. While this figure is higher than the OECD average, it reveals stagnation in gender diversity within leadership roles in the country. In recent years, the percentage of women in leadership positions has even decreased.

Kela service point in Kamppi. LEHTIKUVA

The Finnish government is gearing up to implement a series of substantial changes to the country's social security system in 2024, with far-reaching implications for benefit rates and eligibility criteria. These planned changes, detailed in the government program, will be introduced gradually throughout the year, rather than all at once at the beginning of 2024.

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health will be tasked with finalizing and submitting the government's legislative proposals to Parliament for approval.

Katja Syvärinen, a deputy board chairperson at the Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions (SAK), reacted at a joint news conference of trade unions in Helsinki on Thursday, 21 September 2023. Trade unions, she announced, will stage a series of protests in the coming couple of weeks in a bid to prompt the government to scrap its labour market reforms and social security cuts. (Antti Aimo-Koivisto – Lehtikuva)

THE CENTRAL ORGANISATION of Finnish Trade Unions (SAK) on Thursday announced it and its member unions will orchestrate a series of protests against the labour market and social security policies pursued by the government of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (NCP).

Ranging from regional protests to walk-outs, the protests will take place three days a week for the next three weeks.

Minister of Finance Riikka Purra and Prime Minister Petteri Orpo prepared to present the conclusions of the newly concluded budget session in Helsinki on Tuesday, 19 September 2023. The government will borrow 1.4 billion euros more than expected to finance its almost 88-billion-euro budget for next year. (Markku Ulander – Lehtikuva)

FINLAND will borrow 11.5 billion euros to finance its budget of 87.9 billion euros for 2024, according to Minister of Finance Riikka Purra (PS).

The Ministry of Finance estimated as recently as last month that the budget would have a deficit of 10.1 billion euros, but it has since had to revise down its estimate of tax revenue by 1.4 billion euros.

Nearly 40 per cent of Finns feel that digital services have a negative effect on concentration – Disconnect Day on 1 October invites people to put their devices away

The constant use of digital services is taking a toll on the concentration of nearly 40% of Finns, according to DNA's annual Digital Life survey. In response to this growing concern, DNA is organizing the second annual Disconnect Day on October 1st, 2023, urging people to put away their smart devices and rediscover the joy of uninterrupted moments.

The survey revealed that a significant portion of the population, particularly those under 35, is finding it challenging to detach from their smartphones and other digital devices.

Photo: Sanket Mishra

According to the recent Digiturva Barometer by the Digital and Population Data Services Agency, the sense of security among Finns in the digital environment remains high, with 85 percent considering the digital landscape to be at least moderately secure. However, 28 percent report a decline in trust in digital security over the past six months, driven by a significant rise in cybercrime and the introduction of new artificial intelligence services, which have generated interest but also skepticism.

Otter Poster by Teemu Järvi Illustrations. Photo: Susanna Vento

This year, the enchanting world of Finnish design will come alive at the Ornamo's Design Christmas X Designkaverit event, taking place on December 9-10, 2023, at Little Finlandia in the heart of Helsinki. Produced by the innovative pop-up design shop creators, Designkaverit, this year's event promises to provide a unique and immersive experience for Christmas shoppers in Finland. Attendees can look forward to unforgettable encounters, creative workshops, a second-hand marketplace, and a delightful array of Christmas treats.

A person picking cranberries in the forest. LEHTIKUVA

As the berry and mushroom seasons commence, more individuals are setting foot into the vast Finnish forests. The Voluntary Rescue Service (Vapepa) coordinated by the Finnish Red Cross (Suomen Punainen Risti SPR) offers essential tips to prevent getting lost and ensuring safety.

Increasing Forest Visitors and Rescues

Minister of Finance Riikka Purra (PS) talked about the government’s budget draft for 2024 at a news conference in Helsinki on Tuesday, 19 September 2023. Purra on Wednesday told YLE that she personally has no need to hide the fact that the government is looking to make significant cuts in social security for the sake of the economy. (Markku Ulander – Lehtikuva)

THE TAX BURDEN of Finnish wage earners will decline across income brackets under the budget proposal presented by the government on Tuesday.

The government announced it has decided to lower income taxation to the tune of 100 million euros with a particular emphasis on low and middle-income earners. The tax burden of high-income earners, in turn, will decrease due to the decision to continue levying the solidarity tax at a reduced rate.

A major milestone in Helsinki's public transportation is set to be achieved as the high-speed tram line, known as Line 15, connecting Itäkeskus in Helsinki to Keilaniemi in Espoo, is scheduled to commence its operations on Saturday, October 21. This new 25-kilometer tram line will introduce tram services to entirely new areas while also providing convenient interchange connections with both the metro and commuter trains.

Jaan Siitonen (purple sweater) is leading a workshop at Magma Academy 2022.

Think Tank Magma, renowned for its commitment to unravelling the complexities of Finnish society, is gearing up for a second Magma Academy, scheduled to commence on 26 October 2023. Through a selection of distinguished speakers, the academy offers valuable insight into the culture, history, and politics of Finland.

Richer understanding of our society

Minister of Social Security Sanni Grahn-Laasonen (NCP) arrived for the government’s budget session at the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in Helsinki on 19 September 2023. Grahn-Laasonen on Wednesday conceded that the cuts in parental allowance and family leave compensation would have harmed the labour-market position of women. (Heikki Saukkomaa – Lehtikuva)

THE GOVERNMENT of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (NCP) has backtracked on two spending cuts forwarded in its action plan, reports Helsingin Sanomat.

The government decided in its newly concluded budget session that it will call off the cuts in the parental allowance and family leave compensation disbursed to employers, reveal minutes of the session seen by the daily newspaper.

In a significant development, Finnish Customs has successfully seized the "Piilopuoti" web server in collaboration with foreign authorities and confiscated its contents. The web server had been in operation within the Tor network since 2022.

The Finnish-language website, specializing in the sale of narcotics, was first launched on May 18, 2022.