Heikki Hiilamo's recent column addresses the Finnish government's alarming trend of reducing social welfare provisions while simultaneously committing to significant increases in defense spending. With Prime Minister Petteri Orpo's administration cutting housing assistance, removing child allowances from unemployment benefits, tightening welfare conditions, and lowering overall support levels, critics argue these measures are filling holes in Finland's social security system. The justifications for these austerity measures—improving employment and curbing national debt—have yet to materialize as promised, raising concerns about the living conditions of the most vulnerable populations.

The column further examines the fiscal responsibilities of the next government, especially in light of Finland's commitment to raise defense spending to 3% of its GDP by 2029 and 3.5% by 2035, following NATO guidelines. This obligation to bolster military capacities seems at odds with the urgent need to provide adequate support to those facing poverty. Furthermore, the references to pressure from international allies, such as U.S. President Donald Trump, indicate a broader geopolitical dimension influencing domestic policy, which could exacerbate the plight of impoverished citizens if priority continues to be given to the military rather than social needs.

In conclusion, Hiilamo's column paints a grim picture of the future socio-economic landscape in Finland if current policies persist. The risk of deepening poverty as a consequence of prioritizing defense spending over essential social welfare services calls for critical reevaluation of government budget allocations, urging policymakers to balance national security with the fundamental needs of their citizens. If not addressed, the impending crisis could have profound implications not only for the individuals affected but also for the stability of Finnish society as a whole.