In Finland, the political discourse is heating up as the Perussuomalaiset party seeks a successor for the recently resigned Minister of Social Affairs and Health, Kaisa Juuso. Antti Kaikkonen, the leader of the opposition Centre Party, has urged the next minister to prioritize the pressing issues surrounding elderly care. This comes against a backdrop of alarming reports concerning the deaths of elderly individuals in care facilities, raising questions about the quality of elderly care in the country.

Four cases of elderly deaths in care facilities from non-natural causes have emerged over the past three months. According to emeritus professor Sirkka-Liisa Kivelä, the crisis in elderly care has been developing since around 2010, independent of which political parties have been in power. Her comments, featured in an interview with Iltalehti, highlight the systemic issues that have persisted across different governments, suggesting that the foundational problems in elderly care are deeply rooted.

Kaikkonen's public statements reflect the rising concerns about the quality and safety of elderly care. He has labeled the recent news stories surrounding these incidents as 'distressing,' and emphasizes that the first and foremost priority for Juuso's successor will be to rectify the failings within the sector. This situation has not only sparked political debate but also calls for immediate action to ensure the safety and dignity of elderly individuals within Finland's care systems, indicating potential for substantial policy shifts in the near future.