The Finnish Democratic Forum was established in 2003 by residents of Finland who are driven by their interest in the changes occurring both nationally and internationally, and their alarm at the absence of opportunities for ideas to be voiced, heard and discussed.

The inspiration for this decision came just before the Finnish Parliamentary elections in 2003. During the build-up to Election Day, we were startled by the growing distance  between the politicians and the voters; the division had become obviously bigger. The result of this divide was reminiscent of the ‘99 Elections when a large proportion of voters abstained from their major democratic right and obligation to vote.

Through their absence these people confirmed to the country that they believed politicians had reached a dead end in political decisions and declarations. They had lost faith in their appointed officials to adequately deal with their concerns about the cost of living, high unemployment, the health and welfare system, education, defence, the E.U., N.A.T.O. and the U.N.; in short they didn’t trust the Government to help their family.

A minority of these disillusioned voters motivated themselves enough to take advantage of the few possibilities to make their concerns heard - they made it loud and clear that they have strong political ideas and opinions. But in the end they didn’t vote; the disenchanted relationship with the politicians kept them away.

At the same time another group of people with the same worries did take the time to cast a vote despite feeling that no matter where they placed their X nothing would change. This passive approach to electing officials has been born from the opinion that whether it is Mr X or Miss Y in power the same people would return to the same positions and soon fall back into their comfortable routines.

A handful of voters, who are yet to be disenchanted, believed that something would change and their vote could make a difference. Well, after three months defending opinions and positions towards people and their parties, something did change. They saw their leaders accusing one another of crimes and holding hands with their former enemies, forgetting everything they had said just a few days ago.

The Finnish Democratic Forum cannot promise to provide answers or solutions but we can guarantee a platform for voters to air their issues, concerns, queries and general comments. If you have something to say then maybe there is somebody interested in hearing it, maybe that somebody is in a position of elected power, maybe it will encourage a fight for change…maybe.

 The Finnish Democratic Forum is not a private club. We are democratic, we want change, we want you to get involved – it just requires a little effort on your part.

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