Christian Democrats
A clear guide to Christian Democrats (KD) in Finland: its history, christian democracy ideology, leadership, and where it stands on the economy, social issues, and foreign policy.
Overview
- Country
- Finland
- Founded
- 1958
- Position
- Centre-right
- Leader
- Sari Essayah
- Headquarters
- Helsinki
The Christian Democrats (KD) are a Christian democratic and socially conservative party. They emphasise family policy, elderly care, mental health and traditional values. The party is part of Petteri Orpo's government, and its chair Sari Essayah, a former Olympic race walker and world champion, is minister of agriculture and forestry.
History
The party was founded in 1958, mainly by the Christian wing of the National Coalition Party, and entered parliament in 1970. Known for many years as the Finnish Christian League, it adopted its current name in 2001. It has taken part in several centre-right governments, including those of Esko Aho, Jyrki Katainen and Alexander Stubb.
Economic Policy
The party is centre-right on the economy but stresses family benefits, support for carers, and spending on elderly care and mental health services.
Foreign Policy
The party supports NATO membership and the EU, and is a member of the European People's Party.
Where They Stand
- Emphasises family policy and support for carers
- Prioritises elderly care and mental health services
- Opposed same-sex marriage and gender recognition reform
- Favours a restrictive alcohol policy
- Supports NATO and EU membership
Electoral Record
The Christian Democrats usually win around 4 percent of the vote. In 2023 they won 4.2 percent and 5 seats.
Position on the Political Compass
Christian Democrats sits on the centrist side on economics and is more authoritarian on questions of social freedom and authority.
These positions are approximate and meant as a guide. Take the test to see how your own views compare.
Key Figures
Päivi Räsänen
Party chair, 2004 to 2015
A former interior minister and prominent social conservative.
Sari Essayah
Party chair since 2015
A former world champion race walker and MEP who leads the party in government.
Sources and Further Reading
- Christian Democrats (Finland) (Wikipedia)en.wikipedia.org
- Official party websitekd.fi
Where do you stand?
Take the CoreOpinion Finland political test to see how your views compare with Christian Democrats and the other parties.
Take the Finland Test
Social Policy
KD is socially conservative. It opposed same-sex marriage and the 2023 gender recognition reform, and takes a restrictive view on euthanasia and alcohol policy.