Left Alliance
A clear guide to Left Alliance (Vasemmistoliitto) in Finland: its history, democratic socialism ideology, leadership, and where it stands on the economy, social issues, and foreign policy.
Overview
- Country
- Finland
- Founded
- 1990
- Position
- Left-wing
- Leader
- Minja Koskela
- Headquarters
- Helsinki
The Left Alliance (Vasemmistoliitto) is a democratic socialist and eco-socialist party. It defends the welfare state and trade union rights and strongly opposes cuts to benefits and public services. It has been in opposition since 2023 and is chaired by Minja Koskela, elected in 2024.
History
The party was founded in 1990 as the main successor of the Finnish People's Democratic League, which had brought together communists and other left socialists after the Second World War.
It has taken part in five governments, most recently the Marin coalition from 2019 to 2023, when its chair Li Andersson was education minister. Andersson later became a Member of the European Parliament, receiving the largest personal vote in Finland in 2024, and Koskela succeeded her as chair.
Economic Policy
The Left Alliance opposes privatisation and austerity, and supports progressive taxation, higher wealth and capital taxes, and stronger public services. It is the most vocal opponent of the current government's welfare cuts and restrictions on strikes.
Foreign Policy
The party has historically been sceptical of military alliances. It allowed its MPs to vote freely on NATO membership in 2022; most voted in favour. It supports aid to Ukraine.
Where They Stand
- Opposes cuts to welfare benefits and public services
- Supports more progressive taxation, including on wealth and capital
- Defends the right to strike and collective bargaining
- Favours ambitious climate policy with a social focus
- Supports LGBT rights and gender equality
Electoral Record
The Left Alliance usually wins between 7 and 9 percent of the vote. It won 7.1 percent and 11 seats in 2023, and came third nationwide in the 2025 county elections.
Position on the Political Compass
Left Alliance 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
Li Andersson
Party chair, 2016 to 2024
Led the party into the Marin government and won a record personal vote in the 2024 European election.
Minja Koskela
Party chair since 2024
A Helsinki MP and feminist campaigner who succeeded Andersson.
Sources and Further Reading
- Left Alliance (Finland) (Wikipedia)en.wikipedia.org
- Official party websitevasemmisto.fi
Where do you stand?
Take the CoreOpinion Finland political test to see how your views compare with Left Alliance and the other parties.
Take the Finland Test
Social Policy
The party is socially liberal and feminist, supporting LGBT rights, gender equality and a humane refugee policy.