Social democrats could stop tide of populism: Finnish SDP chairman

Source: Xinhua   2017-02-05 01:52:52

HELSINKI, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- Finnish Social Democratic Party's chairman Antti Rinne said on Saturday that social democratic values are the best asset in curbing populism in Europe.

He said even though people are paying attention to the harsh language used by U.S. President Donald Trump, it has to be acknowledged the key to his success was a pledge to bring more jobs and a change to the people.

Rinne said the Finnish social democrats have been able to increase their popular support recently, and thus offer an alternative to populism.

Rinne, a former trade unionist, was re-elected as the SDP chairman on Saturday at the party convention in Lahti, southern Finland. Rinne secured majority of votes in the first round against two contenders.

The convention on Saturday witnessed an ideological clash within the party over issues including the possibility of restoring free university studies for non-EU students in Finland.

Some speakers from the party floor criticized the leadership of favouring "Trump type isolationist practices" as it had endorsed the introduction of tuition fees.

Editor: yan
Related News
Xinhuanet

Social democrats could stop tide of populism: Finnish SDP chairman

Source: Xinhua 2017-02-05 01:52:52

HELSINKI, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- Finnish Social Democratic Party's chairman Antti Rinne said on Saturday that social democratic values are the best asset in curbing populism in Europe.

He said even though people are paying attention to the harsh language used by U.S. President Donald Trump, it has to be acknowledged the key to his success was a pledge to bring more jobs and a change to the people.

Rinne said the Finnish social democrats have been able to increase their popular support recently, and thus offer an alternative to populism.

Rinne, a former trade unionist, was re-elected as the SDP chairman on Saturday at the party convention in Lahti, southern Finland. Rinne secured majority of votes in the first round against two contenders.

The convention on Saturday witnessed an ideological clash within the party over issues including the possibility of restoring free university studies for non-EU students in Finland.

Some speakers from the party floor criticized the leadership of favouring "Trump type isolationist practices" as it had endorsed the introduction of tuition fees.

[Editor: huaxia]
010020070750000000000000011105521360318911