Political midfield in Europe

Think tank Alkio continues to review the current state of the political center. Doctor of Social Sciences Pekka Väisänen brings an international perspective to the project by exploring what European Center and Liberal parties and social debate have to offer to Finland’s central parties and Finnish political debate in general.

The analysis focuses on topical themes in Finland and elsewhere in Europe, such as work and changes in working life, the thematic of economic growth, decentralizing versus centralizing policies, as well as security of supply and self-sufficiency in food production. In addition to the above, the report also reflects on the essence and concept of republicanism. 

The six countries under consideration (France, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands) differ from Finland in terms of economic and structural starting points, but also share a common set of values and cooperate with each other. The aim of the report is to broaden the narrative of political debate and to take into account possible differences and similarities between political cultures, as well as to provide new tools for both centristand other parties to examine their own actions.

The report “Backpacking in liberal Europe – ideas for Finnish political debate” will be published in October 2022. The launch event, which is open to all, will be held in Teams.