Finland remains in need of a radical Left

As part of the campaign “No to the EU and Yes to the Welfare State”, the Communist Party proposed an alternative with a different political program instead of the EU austerity politics and of nationalism confined within national borders. The alternative and European vision of the Communist Party is based on committed solidarity and working class internationalism, rejecting the European Union under its present form.

The Communist Party’s list obtained in these elections a modest 5 963 votes (0.3%). From a working class perspective, the result of the elections in Finland is a source of great concern. All 13 MEPs were elected from political parties, which are in line with EU neoliberal austerity politics, or at least have demonstrated through their recent policy that they have adapted to the logic of market forces.

The chairman of the National Coalition Party Jyrki Katainen said that in these elections the National Coalition Party collected more support than the entire Finnish Left. This fact must be taken seriously. Out of the 60% that did not vote, many are EU critical and in general they long for a change in policy.

The Communist Party congratulates comradely the Left Alliance for opening the door to the EU Parliament. We hope that this will also mean a step towards a more Left-wing policy orientation and a more natural cooperation with the Communist Party and others who wish to bring about change.

For the European United Left and Nordic Green Left Confederate group (GUE / NGL) the European elections have meant a victory. Compared to the year 2009, the number of MEPs of GUE / NGL’s Parliamentary Group grew from 35 to 47. The electoral success in the rest of Europe has had a positive impact on the motivation of Finnish Communists.

The Communist Party of Finland participated in the elections as the only spokesman of a radical, left-wing, clearly anti-capitalist alternative. The CFP set the welfare state as a key objective, and stood out from other EU-critical parties through its working-class internationalism and anti-racism.

The electoral campaign “Yes to the welfare state – No to the EU” consolidated the objectives of the labor movement for an equal and just society and opened the discussion about inter alia the EU and U.S. free trade agreement (TTIP), EU freedoms and rights of migrant workers, as well as on alternatives to the present economic policies. Elections were held in a situation where the Ukrainian crisis incited unnecessary initiatives for Finland’s accession to the military alliance NATO. Communist Party candidates were able to underline in numerous electoral events the party’s peace policy and the need to keep Finland out of wars and out of NATO military alliance.

Turning the eyes towards the parliament

The participation of the Communist Party of Finland in European elections was a major kick-off to the objective of achieving Party representation in the Finnish Parliament. European elections made the Party policy more visible and made it possible for several comrades to raise issues on which mainstream media and ruling class representatives would otherwise remain silent. The elections also offered the opportunity to strengthen cooperation with other forces of change. The participation of the Workers’ Party of Finland candidates on the list of the Communist Party in EU elections was a good signal for cooperation among the Left. The participation of independent candidates on the list of the Party strengthened the work of civic mass movements for environmental protection and peace.

European elections clearly showed the power and hegemony of the Finnish political elite. Media took a clearly discriminatory attitude towards extra-parliamentary parties and substantially hampered the Communist Party possibilities for greater visibility and equal footage with other parties. The elections saw the success of Ministers and representatives of big money.

Finnish Parliament lacks a force that understands the international nature of the class struggle and opposes capitalism. The tightening grip of financial capitalism and the results of the elections will increase the plight of the working class, as they will feed racism and militarism. That’s why Finland needs a radical left alternative. The initiative of the Communist Party of Finland for a world of solidarity, equality and peace remains timely and necessary.

Political Bureau of the CPF