Sanna Marin's leadership and coalition

Sanna Marin became Prime Minister of Finland in December 2019, at the age of 34, leading a coalition government composed mainly of women and including social democrats, Greens, and other left-leaning parties. This coalition aimed to promote social equality, environmental sustainability, and progressive policies.

Finland's gender equality achievements

Marin's government included 12 women out of 19 ministers, with women holding key roles in finance, justice, education, health, and environment. In January 2023, women occupied 64% of ministerial positions in Finland, significantly higher than the OECD average of 36%. Finland was also the first country to grant women the right to vote in 1906.

Education and employment improvements

Education has been a major focus of Marin's government, with mandatory schooling extended to 18 years of age or until a secondary higher diploma is obtained. Textbooks and teaching materials are provided free of charge. The employment rate of people aged 20–64 increased from 75.9% in 2019 to 77.9% in 2023, according to Statistics Finland.

Legal and social reforms

A law enacted in April 2023 allows adults to change their legal gender based on self-determination, without needing a medical diagnosis or proof of infertility. A 2021 reform transferred management of health, social, and emergency services to regional authorities, aiming to improve efficiency and local governance.

Environmental goals and challenges

Finland has set a goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035 and to absorb more greenhouse gases than it emits. However, an official assessment in April 2026 found that current measures were insufficient, as forests have become a net source of emissions, complicating the country’s climate strategy.

Finland's global happiness ranking

Finland has been ranked first in the World Happiness Report since 2018. In 2025, it scored 7.736 out of 10, maintaining its top position. France, in contrast, fell to 35th place. The ranking considers factors such as GDP per capita, social support, health, freedom, generosity, and perceptions of corruption.

Challenges and political changes

Marin's tenure faced criticism, including online harassment and threats of sexual violence, which she discusses in her memoir L'Espoir en acte. The Courage to Lead. After her party lost the April 2023 elections, Marin stepped down from politics to become a strategic advisor for the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change.

New government and policy shifts

In June 2023, a right-wing and center-right coalition led by Petteri Orpo took power, shifting Finland's political direction. The new government introduced policies that reduced social protections, including cuts to unemployment benefits and housing assistance. President Alexander Stubb has been in office since March 1, 2024, overseeing these changes.

Ongoing debates over social policies

A reform in February 2026 tightened access to social assistance, leading to strong opposition from trade unions. Whether these unions can counter the new policies and preserve the social progress associated with Marin's era remains uncertain.