The working groups are comprised of a number of the parties' Members of Parliament as well as other politicians from outside the Parliament. The groups are expected to present their initial reports Thursday. The leaders of the parties involved in the government talks are meeting during the afternoon.
Conservatives Pushing New NATO Option
At a press conference on Wednesday, conservative National Coalition chair Jyrki Katainen referred to the good spirit in which a search is being made for needed reforms. According to Katainen, the negotiations are not focused on continuing with the status quo, but rather on creating new measures and supporting growth.
Current Prime Minister and Centre Party leader Matti Vanhanen described the talks as being well organized and moving ahead like a train.
Negotiators heard from experts who reminded the politicians of economic realities. Top Finance Ministry official Raimo Sailas warned party leaders that the state cannot afford cuts in the value-added tax on foodstuffs, lower inheritance taxes and lower tax rates for pensioners.
The National Coalition wants to see a reformulation of the option of membership in NATO, which it considers outdated in its present form. The party wants to see a written statement that Finland is oriented towards NATO. According to the conservatives, a referendum on NATO membership is still, however, necessary.