Quote:
Originally Posted by Skybird
I read the other parties already changed towards the more conservative/right side of political views in an attempt to reduce the anticipated gains of True Fins. And maybe this effect stays there even if the TF do not get a place inside a Finnish coalition.
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That could be right. So far the True Finns have been in opposition and they have had it relatively easy. They have done exactly what they should have done: made a lot of noise, pointed out things that don't work and subtly reminded that if
they were in the government...
Well now they most likely will be. And this is where I think it gets interesting. They either have to back off or take responsibility for everything they have said in the past. Neither is going to be easy. Months ago I joked with a friend that True Finns are our Obama. They have promised a lot (or at the very least created lots of expectations) and gained almost cult-like following. Their big slogan was "change" and as I followed the discussion, it seemed that to some voters it was enough, as anything would be better than the current system. They represent things that are opposite to the things people don't like at the moment. So in a way we are now in similar situation as our American friends were when Obama was elected. Fascinating to see if the magic will work this time.
Either way, I welcome them for the effect they have made. I disagree with them on many issues and agree on some. I didn't finally vote them after reading their program (yes, all 68 pages of it) and seeing we are just not on the same page on the issues I consider most important. But I still appreciate the discussion they have created and the storm they have stirred. Politics is not supposed to be static, it's not supposed to be the same faces and same parties getting elected in year after year. The True Finns have managed to shake the system and hats off to them for that. I didn't doubt they would get many votes: what I do not know is how long they will stay on the top. I still remember when we got the last government and people were extatic. Just in few years they were declared the worst bunch of liars and losers ever. People have short memory.