Swedish People's Party of Finland
A clear guide to Swedish People's Party of Finland (RKP / SFP) in Finland: its history, swedish-speaking minority interests ideology, leadership, and where it stands on the economy, social issues, and foreign policy.
Overview
- Country
- Finland
- Founded
- 1906
- Position
- Centre to centre-right
- Leader
- Anders Adlercreutz
- Headquarters
- Helsinki
The Swedish People's Party of Finland (RKP in Finnish, SFP in Swedish) represents the interests of the country's Swedish-speaking minority, about five percent of the population. Its core aim is to protect Swedish as an official language alongside Finnish. Ideologically it is liberal and pro-European.
The party is part of Petteri Orpo's government, and its chair Anders Adlercreutz is minister of education.
History
The party was founded in 1906, when universal suffrage was introduced, to unite Swedish speakers across class lines. Because it usually holds the balance between larger parties, it has been in nearly every government from 1979 to 2015 and again since 2019, working with both left and right.
Economic Policy
The party is centrist to centre-right on the economy, supporting a market economy with a strong welfare state. It pays particular attention to the coastal regions and the Åland Islands where many Swedish speakers live.
Foreign Policy
It is one of Finland's most pro-European and Nordic-minded parties and was an early supporter of NATO membership.
Where They Stand
- Protects the status of Swedish as an official language
- Supports Swedish-language schools, courts and health services
- Is strongly pro-European and favours Nordic cooperation
- Supported NATO membership early
- Backs a market economy with a strong welfare state
Electoral Record
The party usually wins about 4 percent of the vote. In 2023 it won 4.3 percent and 9 seats.
Position on the Political Compass
Swedish People's Party of Finland sits on the right-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
Elisabeth Rehn
Defence Minister, 1990 to 1995
Europe's first female defence minister and a near winner of the 1994 presidential election.
Anders Adlercreutz
Party chair since 2024
An architect and education minister who described the party as Finland's only liberal centre-right party.
Sources and Further Reading
- Swedish People's Party of Finland (Wikipedia)en.wikipedia.org
- Official party websitesfp.fi
Where do you stand?
Take the CoreOpinion Finland political test to see how your views compare with Swedish People's Party of Finland and the other parties.
Take the Finland Test
Social Policy
The RKP is socially liberal, supporting LGBT rights and a relatively open approach to immigration compared with its coalition partners.