From left to right: Sanna Marin, Petteri Orpo, and Riikka Purra. AP.
Finland's ruling Social Democratic Party conceded the country's election on Sunday.
The
center-right National Coalition Party won the most votes in the
parliamentary election, followed by the populist right-wing Finns Party.
- With
nearly 100% of the votes counted, the National Coalition Party, led by
53-year-old Petteri Orpo, won 48 seats with 20.8% of the vote.
- The
Finns Party, led by Riikka Purra, won 46 seats with 20% of the vote,
while the Social Democratic Party, led by Prime Minister Sanna Marin,
won 43 seats with 19.9% of the vote.
- No party obtained a
majority in Finland's 200-seat parliamentary body, meaning that Orpo
will need to form a coalition with the Finns Party or the Social
Democrats.
- Finland's economy and national debt emerged as key issues in this year's election.
- The Social Democrats have received criticism for their approach to these issues.
- 37-year-old Marin, one of Europe's youngest leaders, faced scrutiny last year after a video circulated online showing her dancing, singing, and drinking at a party.
- Finland is set to become the 31st member of NATO after its application was approved by Turkey on Thursday.
