National Coalition chair, Finance Minister Jyrki Katainen, has rejected a call by the Social Democratic Party to provide free day care and free public transport for young people. Speaking at his party's convention in Tampere, Katainen estimated free day care would cost 250 million euros. He said the proposal would not serve the country's most vulnerable. With that kind of thinking, Finns could also ask why they pay for healthcare, he added. "In my opinion, people should pay for services according to what they can afford. Pouring tax money into projects here and there could take away from the possibility of helping the weakest in society," Katainen said. NGOs Play Crucial Role in Society Katainen kept practical proposals to a minimum at the conservative party's conference. The conservative chair mainly focused on the National Coalition's merits, and praised the activeness of the party. Katainen also mentioned joint responsibility with NGOs, for example. He said he believes NGOs are able to provide services that government organisations can't. "Future challenges of NGOs include child obesity and preventing the isolation of elderly. Officials can't control children's weight. However, clubs can instruct kids on healthy lifestyle choices, like exercise," he said. YLE Triumphant National Coalition Party Meets in Tampere
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