Green League
A clear guide to Green League (Vihreät) in Finland: its history, green politics ideology, leadership, and where it stands on the economy, social issues, and foreign policy.
Overview
- Country
- Finland
- Founded
- 1987
- Position
- Centre-left
- Leader
- Sofia Virta
- Headquarters
- Helsinki
The Green League (Vihreät) is a green and socially liberal party on the centre-left. It is strongest among young, urban and highly educated voters, especially in Helsinki. The party has been in opposition since 2023 and has been chaired by Sofia Virta since June 2023.
History
The party was founded in 1987 from environmental and citizens' movements and won its first parliamentary seats the same year. In 1995 it became the first green party in Europe to join a national government, in Paavo Lipponen's "rainbow" coalition, leaving in 2002 in protest over a decision to build new nuclear power.
It has since joined several coalitions, most recently the Marin government from 2019 to 2023. Its best result came in 2019 under Pekka Haavisto, who was later foreign minister and twice a strong presidential candidate.
Economic Policy
The Greens favour taxing emissions and consumption, investing in clean industry and public transport, and a basic income model. Unlike many green parties, it has accepted nuclear power as part of the fight against climate change since 2018.
Foreign Policy
The Greens are among Finland's most pro-European parties and were the first to favour a federal EU. The party supported NATO membership in 2022.
Where They Stand
- Aims for carbon neutrality and stronger protection of forests and nature
- Accepts nuclear power as a low-emission energy source
- Supports same-sex marriage and gender recognition reform
- Favours a humane asylum policy and integration support
- Backs deeper European integration
Electoral Record
The Greens won a record 11.5 percent and 20 seats in 2019, then fell to 7.0 percent and 13 seats in 2023.
Position on the Political Compass
Green League sits on the left-leaning side on economics and is more libertarian 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
Pekka Haavisto
Foreign Minister, 2019 to 2023
A former party chair and Europe's first green cabinet minister, who came second in three presidential elections.
Sofia Virta
Party chair since 2023
A Tampere MP elected to lead the party after the 2023 election.
Sources and Further Reading
- Green League (Wikipedia)en.wikipedia.org
- Official party websitevihreat.fi
Where do you stand?
Take the CoreOpinion Finland political test to see how your views compare with Green League and the other parties.
Take the Finland Test
Social Policy
The party is strongly socially liberal and was a leading supporter of same-sex marriage and a reform of the gender recognition law in 2023. It favours a humane asylum policy and gender equality.