Finns Party rises to top 3 in dozens of municipalities
The nationalist party’s surging popularity is making it one of the three largest parties on municipal councils.
Finns Party sweeps small municipalities
Although the populist party performed poorer than expected in big cities, the 2012 local elections saw the Finns rise to the ranks of the three biggest parties in over 100 municipalities.Â
Outspoken immigration critic MP Jussi Halla-aho attracted some of the most votes nationwide, winning more support than party leader Timo Soini.
The anti-immigrant party won big in Espoo, Vantaa, Hyvinkää, Hämeenlinna, Kouvola, Lahti, Lohja, Pori, Rovaniemi, Tampere and Valkeakoski.”There’s been a power shift in the ‘big three’ (National Coalition, SDP and Centre Party),” said Yle political news chief Pekka Ervasti.  Overall, the election result is shaking up the playing field in half of municipalities.
Outspoken immigration critic MP Jussi Halla-aho attracted some of the most votes nationwide, winning more support than party leader Timo Soini.