Approved at the party conference in Vasa on 15 June 2025
Our country
The Swedish People’s Party is Finland’s liberal party. We believe in democracy, the rule of law and the unique value of every individual. We provide a voice on behalf of an open, international and forward-looking society, where each person has the opportunity to develop and decide their own future. We continuously work to have a country with two thriving official languages: Swedish and Finnish. We look after Finland’s Swedish-speaking institutions, which are crucial for securing Finland’s bilingual future. Respecting all mother tongues and cultures is a given in our Finland. In our strong Nordic welfare state, everyone will receive help and support when they need it. In uncertain times, we adhere to the things that have carried Finland forward throughout history: knowledge, freedom and cooperation.
We believe in education. A strong Finland is built out of curiosity, competence and an active civil society. Education and creativity are the keys to our success and the resilience of our society. Culture and education belong to everyone: that is where new ideas are generated and our assumptions are challenged. In a world where artificial intelligence is taking over more and more of our everyday functions, we stand for humanity and its capacity to think for itself, ask questions and create.
We believe in Europe. Global challenges demand shared solutions, and for the Swedish People’s Party, there is no doubt that Finland must be an active player in the international community. We want to see a stronger European Union with even deeper collaboration, with more countries finding their place in the European community and working together to build a future of democracy, justice and sustainable development. Our Nordic cultural heritage ties us to our northern neighbours, and together we can reinforce our position both in the EU and globally.
We believe in entrepreneurship. Finland needs more people with the courage to invest time and effort in taking the chance to succeed. The jobs of the future are created when we provide companies with the right opportunities and conditions. Innovation, entrepreneurship and policies that support growth are the way forward. A Finland that is open to ideas, talent and investment is a Finland that will grow. A dynamic business sector will reinforce the nation and its domestic ownership, as well as creating jobs and belief in the future.
We believe in equality. We want to live in a nation where everyone has equal opportunities for success, and where freedom and responsibility go hand in hand. By investing in a high competence level, social security, freedom of commerce and international cooperation, we will build a strong and forward-looking Finland that is founded on education, freedom and equality.
Our world
In this world, all people and countries are interdependent, for better or worse. Climate disasters, crises and wars threaten our everyday safety, even here. Our politics must be characterized by cooperation, sustainable solutions and faith in the future. To be successful, Finland must be open, welcoming and international.
The foundation for our safety and security consists of credible national defence, which is based on universal conscription. Our NATO membership anchors us to the West and guarantees that we are not left alone. Finland must be a leading voice in the international community and will contribute to stability by cooperating with the UN and other international organisations. Strong Nordic cooperation also reinforces our position in the world.
The Swedish People’s Party is Finland’s most pro-EU party. The European Union is our primary frame of reference and community of values, politically and economically. It must act as a cohesive political force for peace, welfare, stability and justice. For the EU to be a credible global player, it needs to be stronger, more effective and more agile in its responses. We want to secure the rules-based world order, and ensure that politics are built upon mutual agreements and accords. Finland must always work for a more democratic, equal and just world.
In the future we will be:
SAFE
- Finland will be the world’s safest country and we will work actively for a safer world via the UN and NATO, among others.
- The EU will respond swiftly and effectively to crises and security threats related to foreign and security policy.
- Finland will have equal, universal conscription, and fewer recruits will interrupt their military service.
- We will have a broad network of garrisons and the Nyland Brigade will form an important part of Finnish and Nordic defences.
- The Arctic region will be protected against unsustainable exploitation and militarization by international accord.
INTERNATIONAL
- The Nordic region will be the world’s most integrated and sustainable region.
- The EU will be even more integrated, having removed cross-border barriers for people, services, goods and capital.
- The EU will be a global economic power, with free trade agreements that cover large parts of the world.
- The EU’s decision-making will be more efficient, making greater use of majority votes in questions concerning foreign and security policy and protecting the constitutional state, for example.
- Europe will be a world leader in research, innovation and know-how.
- Trust in the international community will be high, with mutual agreements forming the foundation for a world order that respects the rule of law.
IN SOLIDARITY
- Finland and the EU will be increasingly active agents in bearing responsibility for peace and stability in the world, and will work to reinforce the rules-based world order.
- Development aid will total one per cent of GDP.
- Finland will bear a greater responsibility for both quota refugees and humanitarian immigration.
Our schools
We want Finland to have the world’s best schools, from early childhood education all the way to higher education. Every person must have the opportunity to develop and realize their dreams. Schools must be safe places where every pupil has the chance to learn and find their own path. Basic education must form a stable foundation upon which to build knowledge and curiosity. Upper secondary schools must continue to broaden students’ perspectives and provide a solid general education, with vocational education preparing students for the workplace while also leaving the door open for further education and opportunities. Schools must be provided with sufficient human resources to look after both teaching and administrative tasks.
Folk high schools and adult education centres provide opportunities for lifelong learning. Higher education institutions must have the resources for both basic and applied research, as well as high-quality education, to ensure Finland remains a leader in competence. Higher education in both of the national languages must be secured by ensuring accessibility in our bilingual regions. The three-point model, with Helsinki, Turku and Vaasa as university hubs, forms a strong foundation for the continued vitality of university education in Swedish. Education must observe the needs of the labour market and the society.
Proper education requires good access to libraries, culture and free knowledge environments. Culture and art allow us to understand ourselves and our surrounding world. Education and Bildung are the cornerstones of a free society, building our shared identity, promoting dialogue and strengthening democracy.
In the future we will be:
EDUCATED
- The right to early childhood education is subjective and preschool education will last two years.
- All children, regardless of their background, are guaranteed high-quality basic education given by qualified teachers.
- Schools must be safe and enjoyable places for students, teachers and other personnel alike.
- All basic education graduates will have good basic knowledge.
- Schools will be free from prejudice, bullying and discrimination.
- Language teaching will be good and will support the students’ linguistic learning. Multilingualism will be encouraged through language immersion and language showering.
COMPETENT
- All those covered by compulsory education have the right to receive sufficient support to complete their secondary schooling.
- All secondary school leavers will have equal, fine opportunities for applying to higher education.
- Our higher education and research will be high in quality, and there will be excellent cooperation between institutions, both within Finland and internationally.
- The majority of Finnish undergraduates will make use of exchange programmes.
- We will receive more international students and a higher proportion of them will choose to stay in Finland after graduation.
CULTURED
- The operating conditions of liberal adult education and basic art education will be secured and equal access be guaranteed for all.
- We will look after our cultural heritage, including its development and diversity.
- Investments into culture will have produced good results both socially and economically, in the form of increased well-being and cultural exports.
- Cultural autonomy of the Swedish-speaking Finns will be strong, with specific solutions for Swedish-language needs having been observed and secured.
Our economy
A strong economy is built on trust in the future, initiative-taking, ideas and mutual responsibility. Prosperity generates freedom, both for society and for the individual. When the economy grows, it makes room for good public services and for individuals to make their own lives. With a functioning market and successful businesses, we will have more jobs, more growth and greater resources for welfare. We all do better when our neighbours are also thriving. Swedish People’s Party wants to give businesses the best possible conditions to operate and grow throughout the country.
Finland is and must remain a member of an international and open world, where free and fair trading and a strong European internal market strengthens our opportunities for competing globally. Our economy is driven by innovation and technological advancement. We want to invest in research, development and know-how to create new solutions and boost Finland’s global status. Understanding of the diversity of our surrounding world strengthens our ability to succeed in the international market.
The labour market is constantly evolving. A flexible, equal and safe labour market makes it easier for people to shift between jobs, entrepreneurship and studies. Working must always be worth it, and the society’s safety nets must provide support without creating obstacles for employment.
A sustainable economy requires fair and competitive taxation. Taxation must be predictable and should encourage work, entrepreneurship and investment. It must create balance in society without hindering growth or innovation.
In the future we will be:
SUCCESSFUL
- Employment will be over 80 per cent.
- Finns’ purchasing power will have been boosted by lower taxes on work, pensions and entrepreneurship.
- Innovations and new business ideas will have led to more growth businesses.
- Primary production will secure our self-sufficiency and contribute positively to Finland’s economy.
- Investments in lifelong learning, well-being and occupational rehabilitation will have led to longer careers, as people will have the ability and desire to work for longer.
- Employee well-being will be a crucial factor for business success.
ENTREPRENEURIAL
- Finland will have a favourable and sustainable climate for business and entrepreneurship.
- Local agreements will have increased reciprocity and trust between executives and personnel.
- The threshold for recruitment will be lower, and businesses will be able to recruit the most suitable candidates without coming up against bureaucratic obstacles or means testing.
- The status of small businesses will have improved in public procurement.
- Entrepreneurship training will form an important part of the basic education curriculum.
FAIR
- Everyone will have equal opportunities in the labour market, and the pay gap between women and men will have been eliminated.
- Inheritance tax will have been discontinued and replaced by taxation on the sale of inherited means.
- The social safety net will be overhauled to be a simpler and more cohesive system that places employees and employers on an equal footing.
- Incentives for the grey economy, tax avoidance and aggressive tax evasion will have been minimized.
Our well-being
We want to build a strong and inclusive welfare society, where everyone receives the support they need. Our Nordic welfare model, which is grounded on compassion and mutual responsibility – values that mirror our Christian heritage – forms the basis for our vision of society. Social and health care services must be available for all and must work efficiently in both the national languages. We will work towards maintaining the highest level of care, and to ensure Finland’s leadership in new techniques and research.
Preventive measures and early intervention are the keys to long-term well-being. High-quality care consists of collaboration between the public sector, private operators and a sufficiently funded third sector. The public sector is needed as a guarantor of the accessibility and quality of care, but it does not always have to produce the services themselves. We want primary care to be close to people. The whole society benefits from people receiving aid and support as soon as they need them. We will guarantee care in Swedish and Finnish through active measures in training and recruiting bilingual care personnel.
Everyone has the right to live safely, free from discrimination, harassment and abuse. The society must have zero tolerance for relationship abuse. We will work towards social and health care that observes individuals’ needs, regardless of their backgrounds or means, to ensure no one is left behind.
In the future we will be:
CARING
- We will have a social and health care system that is based on individuals’ needs and efficiently identifies care needs at an early stage.
- We will have enough highly qualified care personnel in both the national languages.
- Care personnel will have a good work environment, proper career paths, flexible work agreements and competitive salaries. Care jobs will be attractive.
- Mental health and substance abuse care will work well for patients of all ages.
- Undocumented migrants will have the right to receive health care.
ACCESSIBLE
- Local services will have been enhanced, with the inclusion of new work models in social and health care, and care accessibility will be good with help from digital solutions, among others.
- There will be no more domestic abuse.
- We will have a system of named doctors and nurses, and a named care team, because continuity in care generates a sense of security and supports prevention.
- Elderly care will have been secured and there will be greater freedom of choice and diversity in terms of residence and services.
- Disability services will spring from individuals’ needs and will support both individuals and their families.
HAPPY
- Finns will feel better thanks to increases in exercise and mobility and better diets.
- Greater investments will have been made in preventive and health-promoting activities for everyone.
- Mental health care will be accessible, with a therapy guarantee for everyone.
- Young people will feel better thanks to investments in preventive efforts and outreach youth work.
- All young people will find meaningful leisure activities, and will have the right to one hobby free of charge.
- Preventive action against loneliness will be reinforced.
Our environment
We want to see a sustainable Finland that tackles climate change, biodiversity loss and overexploitation of natural resources. These are acute challenges but also a chance to build something new. If we are to enjoy a sustainable future, we must swiftly and fairly come up with long-term solutions. We have to reduce emissions, care for biodiversity and use our limited resources more wisely.
We want Finland to be a pioneer in the green transition. By investing in research, green technology, sustainable energy solutions and the circular economy, we can achieve our climate goals while also creating growth, jobs and competitiveness. It must be worth it to be climate smart – for the individual, for businesses and for the general society alike.
We want to see environmental taxation that makes polluters pay. Economic instruments must be used to promote sustainability, innovation, recycling and a resource-effective society.
Climate and environmental efforts must be a part of everyday actions. Better public transport, cycling infrastructure, emissions-free traffic, sustainable food production, climate-smart construction and more extensive environmental thinking in the society as a whole are crucial. Climate and environmental knowledge must be found in schools and included in consumer information. The climate and the environment must be taken into account in every decision.
In the future we will be:
SUSTAINABLE
- Finland must be climate-neutral by 2035.
- The eutrophication of the Baltic Sea will have reduced and the Baltic Rim countries will work together for a cleaner sea and more sustainable solutions.
- Access to domestic produce will be secured by creating conditions for profitable domestic farming and fishing.
- Biodiversity loss will have been halted through sustainable land use, a carefully designed energy supply and well-planned primary production.
- High air, groundwater and food quality will be maintained to minimize human exposure to toxins.
- The use of Finland’s forests will be far-sighted, as well as economically, ecologically and socially sustainable.
ENERGY-SMART
- A sustainable, diverse and, to a great extent, domestic energy supply will be secured, and investments will be made in energy-smart solutions.
- Fossil fuels will have been phased out.
- We will use smart electricity networks and systems built on flexible demand.
- Construction will be done in an environmentally sustainable and far-sighted way. We will promote wood construction.
FAR-SIGHTED
- Public transport, private motoring, other personal vehicles and logistics chains will be sustainable and climate-smart.
- Urban and suburban planning will work towards our climate targets and lead to a reduced need for care ownership.
- We want to see continued improvement of rail traffic, increasing the number of fast connections, rail transports and other climate-friendly traffic alternatives.
- Large-scale infrastructure projects will connect Finland to the rest of Europe.
- Imports and exports will follow the same sustainability principles nationally and at the EU level.
- Opportunities for sustainable rural and archipelago living will be improved.
Our society
We want to see an open and democratic society, where everyone’s freedoms and rights are respected. Freedom of expression and religion, equality and equal opportunities, and the right to be oneself are self-evident principles that the Swedish People’s Party will defend in all circumstances. No one may face discrimination, and every person must be allowed to decide on their own body, life and future. Particular attention must be paid to the safeguarding and fulfilment of children’s rights. We want Finland to be the world’s child-friendliest country. We work towards a society where everyone feels included and empowered.
A strong judicial system guarantees safety and justice. Everyone must have access to legal protection and a second chance. Crime-fighting must be effective and preventive, while respecting human integrity. Violence and oppression must be fought at all levels. The police and rescue services have an important role in creating everyday safety and security.
Independent and free media are crucial for a functioning democracy. The media must be allowed to work freely and to critically examine the powers that be without fear. YLE’s public service tasks, both in the national languages and in minority languages, are critical.
We want Finland to be an inviting country to move to, and that requires an open and welcoming society. Successful integration strengthens both the individual and the society as a whole. Integration concerns language, education, work and fellowship, but also refers to mutual respect, trust and inclusion. For us, diversity is an asset that enriches our nation and makes up a natural part of future Finland. We have a good language climate and are proud of our country’s bilingualism and multilingualism.
In the future we will be:
DEMOCRATIC
- All legislation will be based on careful planning, avoiding undue micromanagement.
- The rule of law will be protected and we will guarantee sufficient resources for the police and the safety and security chain as a whole.
- Governance must be open, accessible, fair, reachable and mindful of linguistic rights.
- Finland’s municipalities and wellbeing services counties will be strong and fully functional, and will offer services close to their inhabitants.
- Citizens’ media skills will be high, which increases their resilience and opportunities for social participation.
- Linguistic impact evaluations will be carried out for reforms, and the government will recruit personnel who are competent in both the national languages. Any publicly procured services, whether produced by the private or the public sector, must be guaranteed in both the national languages.
- Our administrative solutions, institutions and environments will create the necessary conditions for thriving bilingualism, and support the Finland-Swedish identity and cultural autonomy.
EQUAL
- Responsibilities for the home, the family and care will be shared equally between parents, to allow for equality at home and at work.
- Political and business representation will mirror the makeup of the population as a whole.
- Finland will be a safe place for sexual and gender minorities, as well as other vulnerable groups. Violence against women will be stopped until it is no longer a problem in the society.
- We will have a functioning judicial system, where processes are not drawn out unduly and where punishments are in proportion to the crime.
- Accessibility will be improved, among other things by utilising artificial intelligence to enhance Swedish-language and multilingual services in Finland.
OPEN
- Through conscious action, the society will have put an end to racism and discrimination. Active promotion of equality, equal opportunities and diversity has made our society fairer.
- Finland will be more attractive to immigrants thanks to swift processing, validation of competence, and a social climate that welcomes diversity.
- Migrant integration will be facilitated through language teaching, active inclusion in the civil society, and quicker opportunities for starting work or studies.
- Five to ten per cent of immigrants to Finland will be integrated in Swedish.
- There will be no differences in the employment level of Finns and people of foreign descent in Finland.
