“Democracy is about discussing and participating in common issues, not just about voting in elections,” said Antti Leinonen, the justice ministry’s permanent secretary.
“The general perception of immigrants as a burden on public finances is incorrect,” says one of the researchers. Foreign-language speakers account for about 10% of the population, but collect only about 5% of welfare benefits and other income transfers.
“Finland is the happiest country in the world. But if you ask the people, they will answer you, we’re not happy at all,” Marin joked on the late-night programme.
One of the reasons companies are looking to build data centres in Finland is financial. The country had the second-cheapest electricity in Europe last year.