Feb 21 • 10:19 UTC 🇫🇮 Finland Ilta-Sanomat

Debt brake documents reveal: here are Finland's targets

A parliamentary working group in Finland proposes a public sector deficit target of 2-2.5% of GDP by 2031, requiring significant fiscal adjustments amidst uncertainty.

Finland's parliamentary working group has outlined a new public sector deficit target for the year 2031, suggesting that the deficit should be between 2-2.5% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). According to the leaked report acquired by Ilta-Sanomat, this would necessitate fiscal adjustments amounting to between 8-11 billion euros by the target year. The report acknowledges substantial uncertainty surrounding these calculations, emphasizing the intricate challenges Finland faces in managing its public finances. The proposed deficit target aligns with Finland's aim to improve its financial situation, especially as the projected deficit for 2024 stands at 4.4% of GDP. The parliamentary working group has set a timeline for achieving these goals, noting that the first target fiscal period will occur between 2027 and 2033. This structured approach aims to ensure that future governments can oversee a more stable financial trajectory and avoid excessive borrowing that could jeopardize economic stability. Crucially, the report includes a provision stipulating that a 'warning rule' will come into effect in 2031 per a financial policy law, requiring that the projected financial status of the public sector for the current or following year should be better than -2.5% of GDP. By adhering to this goal, the incoming government in 2031 could ensure better economic conditions, reducing the risk of adverse financial consequences as the country navigates its debts and fiscal policies.

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