In Finland, a large share of residents express dissatisfaction with the country’s economic climate. The national statistical office released findings from a study conducted on an online platform and via telephone in December 2023, with participation from 1,235 adults. The results reveal persistent concerns about the direction of the economy and a notable gap between perceptions and the hopes people once held about growth and stability.
According to the statistical office, about seven in ten respondents believe the economic situation has worsened compared with the previous year, while only a small minority, roughly six percent, feel that conditions have improved. The data suggest a cautious public mood and a clear expectation that the weak performance could extend into the near future.
Looking ahead, confidence about the economy remains unsettled. Roughly 43 percent of participants anticipate further deterioration, whereas a minority foresees improvement. When it comes to labor market prospects, most respondents expect unemployment figures to rise next year, and only about one in ten anticipate a reduction. A sizable majority, around six in ten, hold a more pessimistic view of the job market.
Inflation and consumer prices feature prominently in the survey. December 2023 saw prices higher than a year earlier by about 6.6 percent, and members of the public expect a continued rise of roughly 4.1 percent in the coming year. A large share of those surveyed, nearly eight out of ten, reported noticeable price increases during the year.
Consumer spending patterns reflected this cautious stance. Only about one in ten respondents indicated they were ready to purchase something expensive in December 2023. Analysts note that interest in big-ticket purchases such as real estate or a new car has diminished, signaling tighter household budgets and a more conservative mindset as households navigate ongoing price pressures.
These sentiment indicators align with broader economic discussions within the region. Analysts have highlighted that strategic policy choices and external developments continue to shape consumer confidence and spending plans. While some observers point to potential stabilizing factors, the general tone remains guarded as households weigh debt levels, rising costs, and the path of inflation.
Earlier reporting from international outlets cited analyses about the global economy and the relative position of major economies. Some assessments suggested shifts in rankings, influenced by external sanctions and geopolitical dynamics. The overall takeaway for Finland is a pattern of cautious expectations and prudent consumer behavior as the country navigates a period of economic adjustment and uncertainty in the broader eurozone.