Events | May 31, 2023

Topical discussion with Jyri Häkämies and Mikko Alkio on national and international politics

The ongoing government negotiations in Finland and international challenges and opportunities were some of the subjects discussed by former politician Jyri Häkämies, now the Director General of the Confederation of Finnish Industries, and Roschier Partner Mikko Alkio at a lunch seminar in our Helsinki office.

Jyri Häkämies, who is former Minister of Defence and Minister of Economic Affairs, emphasized the importance of public finance adjustment, measures to strengthen the economy, and labor market reforms in the upcoming government term.

There was also discussion on the importance of promoting the green transition and the impact of state aid competition on Finland. Häkämies and Mikko Alkio also discussed opening competition, which Häkämies estimated to be one of the central topics in the ongoing government negotiations.

“It is extra interesting to follow the new government’s measures regarding the state monopolies and the opening of competition:  the alcohol monopoly, the pharmacy regulation and the future of long-distance passenger train traffic”, concluded Häkämies and Alkio.

They agreed that Finland’s NATO membership offers new opportunities for Finnish companies, perhaps particularly when it comes to possible US investments in Finland, and that Finnish companies are invited to participate in the offer rounds earlier now, together with other NATO member countries.

It is important to create a solid basis for growth, and that means investments relating to research and innovation. Alkio and Häkämies also underlined that the country needs more workers, which also means foreign labor, to keep up with increased demands.