Here is a selection of what the international press has published about Finland in the last week:
The left is rising, and the far right is reeling. Will I finally see the Finland I dreamed of?
The recent political shift in Finland following the municipal, regional elections was covered in an article by The Guardian on April 23. The opinion article explores how after a prolonged period of right wing dominance and public disillusionment, Finland now seems to be experiencing a political spring.
The elections marked a significant defeat for the far-right Finns party, which saw its support plummet from 20% in the 2023 general election to just 7.6%. In contrast, the centre-left Social Democratic Party (SDP), led by Antti Lindtman, emerged as the biggest winner, claiming 23% of the vote. This swing has weakened the current coalition government and brought hope for a more progressive political landscape.
The author recounts his earlier doubts about moving to Finland, which he had envisioned as a model of happiness and welfare, only to find it turning austere and hostile under what he calls “the most rightwing government” in the country’s history. Drastic cuts to public services, harsher immigration rules, and rising costs had alienated many voters. However, this electoral turnaround was fueled by left-leaning parties like the SDP, the Left Alliance and the Green League. These parties successfully framed the elections as a referendum on the government's austerity policies. The primary concern for many voters was the deterioration of healthcare and social services. Notably, the government’s tightening of visa policies also threatened to drive skilled workers away.
Despite this progressive surge, Watson tempers his optimism. The National Coalition Party, led by Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, saw a slight increase in support, suggesting that while voters punished the Finns party for its extreme rhetoric, they didn’t completely reject the broader right-wing bloc.
The author, Mike Watson is a media and art theorist and educator born in the UK and based in Finland. His latest book is Hungry Ghosts in the Machine: Digital Capitalism and the Search for Self.
Original story was published by The Guardian on 23.04.2025 and can be found here.
Satellites find rare predator returning to south Finland forests for first time
The return of wolverines to southern Finnish forests for the first time in decades was covered in an article by Miami Herald on April 25. The article highlights the wolverines’ return as a sign of ecological recovery and a significant environmental milestone in Finland.
Once driven nearly to extinction by hunting in the 20th century, wolverines had vanished from much of their historic range, especially in the south. However, thanks to years of conservation efforts and their protected status since the 1980s, these elusive predators are now making a slow but promising comeback.
According to a study published on April 21 in the peer-reviewed journal Ecology and Evolution, researchers used a combination of high-resolution satellite imagery, terrain analysis, and traditional footprint tracking to detect signs of wolverines in areas where they hadn’t been seen for decades. The study was supported by Aalto University and was conducted by a multidisciplinary research team, including Pinja-Emilia Lämsä, Audrey Mercier, Andreas Lindén, Aarne Hovi, and Miina Rautiainen. To monitor wolverine presence, researchers used a method involving “wildlife triangle” surveys—specific equilateral-shaped plots checked for footprints during the snowy months. These plots offer a representative sample of larger forested areas. Remarkably, about 13% of these surveyed areas in the southern part of the country showed evidence of wolverine activity, particularly in deciduous mixed forests, which had not previously been considered prime habitat for the species.
The wolverines were most often found in dense, continuous forests with minimal human disturbance—far from clear-cut areas, roads, and settlements. This preference mirrors what has been observed in the expansion patterns of other large carnivores, such as wolves. As such, the study suggests that high-quality, undisturbed habitats are crucial for supporting these predators, especially in the early stages of recolonization. Researchers emphasized that this return is likely due to the landscape structure—specifically forest continuity and lower levels of human influence—which provides safety and stable resources for the animals.
Original story was published by Miami Herald on 25.04.2025 and can be found here.
Coolcations: Why more people are flocking to destinations in Norway, Finland and Iceland this summer
The rising trend of "coolcations” where travellers are choosing cooler destinations such as Norway, Finland, and Iceland for their summer holidays was covered in an article by Euronews on April 21. The article highlights how this shift is largely driven by escalating summer temperatures and extreme weather events—like heatwaves and wildfires—in traditional southern European hotspots including Spain, Italy, and Greece. As a result, more people are seeking refreshing alternatives in the Nordic countries, where they can enjoy milder weather, stunning natural scenery, and immersive outdoor experiences like fjord hikes, glacial swims, and midnight sun adventures.
“We have seen this multiple times for travellers who specifically went to Svalbard mid-summer to experience ice, glaciers and cool temperatures whilst the rest of southern Europe was in a heat wave,” Andy Marsh, founder of Polar Escapes, said.
In 2024, travel to countries like Canada, Iceland, and Finland rose significantly, with some providers reporting over 100% growth in bookings to Nordic regions. These destinations not only offer unique landscapes but also promote sustainable tourism, which is increasingly valued by mindful travelers. Experiences in the Nordics often emphasize connection with nature and personal well-being, supported by eco-friendly infrastructure, accessible public services, and cultural concepts like “lagom” and “hygge”.
However, the surge in interest raises concerns about overtourism in these relatively small and environmentally sensitive destinations. Cities like Reykjavik and Bergen may struggle with capacity during peak summer months, and rural areas often lack the infrastructure to handle large crowds. Despite efforts by local governments to manage tourism responsibly, including policies that encourage longer stays and regional spread, challenges remain.
Coolcations also come with their own set of limitations. Remote locations often involve higher costs, limited transportation options, and less nightlife or cultural activity. While they provide a peaceful escape and a deeper connection to nature, they may not suit travelers seeking vibrant social experiences or easy logistics. Still, for those looking to avoid the heat, embrace sustainability, and experience something different, coolcations present a compelling alternative to conventional summer travel.
Original story was published by Euronews on 21.04.2025 and can be found here.
Finland’s forest industry is facing a severe labour shortage — report
The critical labour shortage in Finland’s forest industry was covered in an article by Wood Central on April 24. The article delves into a new report by consultancy firm Tapio, warning that the sector’s future is at risk unless more skilled workers are recruited—especially from abroad.
The industry needs approximately 1,000 new workers annually to keep up with retirements and workforce attrition. Without sufficient staffing, key operations like forest management, timber harvesting, and transport could suffer. Currently, Finnish forestry companies heavily depend on seasonal workers from non-EU countries, including Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines, to address this gap. However, Tapio notes that this is only a temporary fix and urges the Finnish government to provide state funding for short-term vocational training for these workers. This training should emphasize occupational safety and help them adapt to Finnish working culture.
Language remains a major barrier for integration, with the requirement for fluent Finnish excluding many capable foreign residents already living in Finland. Tapio recommends expanding forestry-specific training programs in English to make the field more accessible and inclusive.
Compounding the issue is a recent reassessment of Finland’s forest carbon sink capacity, which was previously overestimated. This finding has prompted calls for the forestry sector to improve its climate impact, aligning with recommendations from the Climate Panel for more sustainable practices.
The report, produced In collaboration with Metsäteho, an R&D firm connected to forestry organizations, and funded by the Metsämiesten Säätiö foundation, suggests that both labour and environmental challenges must be addressed simultaneously for the long-term viability of Finland’s forestry sector.
Original story was published by Wood Central on 24.04.2025 and can be found here.
HT
