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Economic affairs came to the fore as the only divisive issue in the final televised debate between the candidates in this Sunday's Finnish presidential election. National Coalition candidate Sauli Niinistö and Green League candidate Pekka Haavisto differed over the importance of economic growth and over tougher rules within the EU. Otherwise, there were no major clashes between the two.
In the debate on Thursday night, Haavisto said that he was concerned about Niinistö's economic views, arguing that a "Gallup leader" will support any economic growth without regard for the environment or economic disparities among the population. In addition, it was Haavisto opinion that demands by Niinistö for more budget discipline will lead to the kind of social alienation seen in the 90's.
Niinistö rejected his opponent's claims and repeated his previous view that Finland would be now facing the same kind of problems that Greece is if growing indebtedness had not been stopped in the 1990's.
Haavisto also said that he was in agreement with Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja on the issue of closer economic union within the EU. Tuomioja has been critical of the upcoming EU fiscal pact, arguing that it will narrow Finland's leeway in any needed stimulation measures.
"To me, stimulation measures sound like more debt," replied Niinistö.
Even so, both candidates shared the view that Finland's place is in a tight economic union, as this is a requirement for the stability of the euro.
Election coverageOn Sunday, YLE News will be providing special online coverage of the second round of the election on our website, yle.fi/news and our Twitter feed.
There will also be a special five-minute radio election report on YLE Mondo at 8:55 PM, about an hour after polling places close.
YLE