Orphan or Lindtman? Bite falling off the ride –

Juha Ristamäki

Talks about the death of the city center have again been premature, writes Juha Ristamäki.

Yesterday at 19:02

Chairmen Riikka Purra (ps), Antti Lindtman (sdp) and Petteri Orpo (kok). Inka Soveri, Atte Kajova

The party barometer obtained by Iltalehti and published on Friday tells reasonably well where the situation of the parties is right now.

The parties themselves also consider the image research in question a good barometer for support, which is why it is considered a reliable sign for the future.

As for the top two in the party field, the new party barometer did not offer great news.

The coalition continues to go smoothly and its policy is clear to the citizens, although some perceive it as bitter lime. The SDP party office in Hakaniemi, Helsinki, on the other hand, can be happy about the new report.

It would seem that chairman Antti Lindtman is getting the job under control, even in the opinion of the citizens. Lindtman’s reputation has grown and thus also the credit for leadership. The image of the SDP or its leadership is not at the peak of Sanna Marin’s season, but Lindtman’s hold on the minds of the citizens is improving.

In party polls, SDP is currently number one, the coalition is weighed down by government responsibility. In any case, it is probably reasonably safe to predict that with these prospects, in the parliamentary elections of spring 2027, the people of Finland will decide whether the next prime minister will be from the coalition or the SDP.

Lindtman has a challenge to get the Democrats’ internal twists under control, but these issues will likely be swept under the rug if and when the seat of the Prime Minister’s Party looms.

It is clear that if Lindtman wants to be prime minister, he must be able to offer the people of Finland credible solutions to the indebtedness and security of the public finances as well. The things in question are not exactly the bread and butter of Demars, but in these times, you have to find lasting skills.

The situation of basic Finns is challenging. Citizens feel that the party’s arrogance has grown and the trust in the correctness of the party’s decisions is weakening anyway.

PS’s Gallup support is now around 16 percent. The party traditionally makes gains in parliamentary elections, and it should not be underestimated, but the journey to the top two may still be too long, according to the new party barometers.

This is partly due to the fact that, despite everything, the talk about the death of the city center has once again been premature.

According to the survey, the new chairman of the Center, Antti Kaikkonen, has received a new wind in his sails, both in terms of the party and his own leadership.

In terms of image, the center is already practically on par with basic Finns, although the poll popularity is lagging behind. The improvement of the image has normally led to the fact that the support also grows.

If these numbers and forecasts are used towards the next elections, at least the first government convener will be from the Kokoumun or SDP.

Undoubtedly, as the election season progresses, we will see results from this.

The SDP is struggling internally, whether it should take a strict left-wing line or rather be a bit in the middle, so that blue-red cooperation with the coalition remains an option.

The trends predict that the center may once again be in the decisive position, because it can in principle sneak into a wide range of government options.

Antti Kaikkonen has not said his order of popularity, but is trying to maximize the position of the former ruling party from weaker support points.