Entrepreneurs’ satisfaction with Finland’s government has fallen over the past six months, according to a new survey.

The Entrepreneur Gallup, commissioned by the Federation of Finnish Enterprises, shows that 36 per cent of small and medium-sized business owners are satisfied with the government. In May, the figure stood at 42 per cent.

Support for the opposition remains lower. Twelve per cent of respondents say they are satisfied with opposition parties.

Both ratings mark the weakest levels recorded during the current parliamentary term.

“The slowdown in the economy, lack of growth and accelerating public debt reduce entrepreneurs’ satisfaction,” said Mikael Pentikäinen, chief executive of the Federation of Finnish Enterprises.

“Based on the survey, entrepreneurs doubt the opposition’s alternative,” he added.

The survey indicates differences between groups. Owners of firms employing more than ten people and those in construction express the highest levels of satisfaction with the government.

Sole traders, women entrepreneurs and younger business owners report the most critical views.

The findings also show a gap in perceptions of leading ministers.

Entrepreneurs rate Finance Minister Riikka Purra more favourably than Prime Minister Petteri Orpo. Purra’s approval has remained stable, while satisfaction with Orpo has declined.

“Government policy becomes personalised in the prime minister, even though his ability to influence economic growth is limited,” Pentikäinen said. “Entrepreneurs are frustrated when the economy does not grow and consumer confidence does not improve.”

The survey comes as parties prepare for the final stretch of the parliamentary term.

“Entrepreneurs are active voters. They follow closely what kind of labour market and tax policies parties prepare and present before the elections,” Pentikäinen said.

Despite the fall in overall satisfaction, the National Coalition Party remains the clear favourite among entrepreneurs.

Thirty-two per cent say they support the party. That represents a decline of four percentage points since last August.

The Finns Party has increased its support among entrepreneurs to 14 per cent. The Centre Party stands at 12 per cent.

The National Coalition Party leads in all entrepreneur groups. Among younger entrepreneurs, the Finns Party ranks second. In northern Finland, the Centre Party narrows the gap with the National Coalition Party.

Support for the Social Democrats has fallen from seven per cent to five per cent, equal to the Green Party.

Pentikäinen said entrepreneurs have taken note of opposition proposals.

“Especially proposals by the Social Democrats to tighten taxation of entrepreneurs and public criticism of labour market reforms may weaken the party’s support among entrepreneurs,” he said.

The survey was conducted by Verian for the Federation of Finnish Enterprises between 2 and 9 February 2026. A total of 1,185 representatives of small and medium-sized enterprises responded.

HT