SDP leader Antti Lindtman has emerged as the most popular choice for Finland’s next prime minister in a new survey, although the findings suggest that no party leader has secured support that extends far beyond their own political base.
A poll commissioned by Maaseudun Tulevaisuus and conducted by Kantar Agri found that 17 per cent of respondents viewed Lindtman as the best person to serve as Finland’s next prime minister. Centre Party leader Antti Kaikkonen and Finns Party leader Riikka Purra shared second place on 11 per cent each, while Prime Minister Petteri Orpo received support from 9 per cent of respondents.
The results place the leaders of Finland’s four largest parties at the top of the ranking, but also reveal a fragmented political landscape less than a year before campaigning intensifies ahead of the 2027 parliamentary election.
Green League leader Sofia Virta and Left Alliance chair Minja Koskela each attracted 7 per cent support. Movement Now founder Harry Harkimo received 4 per cent, while Swedish People’s Party leader Anders Adlercreutz and Christian Democrats chair Sari Essayah both recorded 3 per cent.
A notable share of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the available options. Thirteen per cent said none of the parliamentary party leaders would be the right choice for prime minister, while 15 per cent were unable to name a preferred candidate.
The survey also suggests that neither government nor opposition leaders are gaining a personal popularity advantage over their parties.
The findings also reveal gender differences. Orpo and Purra attracted stronger support from men, while Virta performed better among women. Lindtman and Kaikkonen drew similar levels of support from both sexes.
The survey was conducted between 22 and 27 May among 1,003 adults living in mainland Finland. The margin of error for the full sample is three percentage points.
HT