Krista Kiuru (SDP), a health minister in the outgoing cabinet, said on Monday that she aimed to succeed Sanna Marin as party leader.
Kiuru, 48, is the outgoing minister in charge of family affairs and social services at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. She previously held the portfolios of education, communications and housing in two other governments dating back to 2011.
Marin announced after the 2 April election that she would not seek re-election as SDP chair when her term ends in September. Marin said she would lead the party in any possible government formation talks but would not be a cabinet minister if the SDP were to end up in another governing coalition.
During the past legislative term, Kiuru's views on coronavirus restrictions divided public opinion and sometimes put her at odds with public health officials. She was away on parental leave for most of last year.
Kiuru has been an MP for a decade and a half, and has been a deputy party chair since 2012.
Kiuru announced her candidacy in a May Day speech on the central square in Pori, her hometown. She said that under her leadership, the SDP would do everything to ensure that the next government – which is expected to be right-leaning – does not cut social security, education or basic social services.
Kiuru said the SDP must also defend the green transition, human rights and equality.
Lindtman still the favourite
The party came in third in elections a month ago. The two biggest groups in Parliament, the National Coalition Party and the Finns Party, will try to form a majority government beginning this week. If that effort fails, the SDP could end up in government again.
So far, the only announced candidate to succeed Marin as SDP chair is the leader of the party's parliamentary group, Antti Lindtman, who is considered the favourite so far
Kiuru told Yle on Monday that she was aware that she was joining the race from behind.
In December 2019, Lindtman narrowly lost to Marin when the SDP party council chose the next prime minister after the resignation of Antti Rinne. Kiuru supported Marin at the time.
Marin strikes familiar themes
Also on Monday, Marin delivered her final May Day address as SDP leader. Speaking at Helsinki's Kansalaistori (Citizens' Square), she emphasised the party's familiar themes of individual freedom, equality, democracy and solidarity. May 1 is Labour Day in Finland, and the SDP has long been closely tied to the nation's labour movement.
"Solidarity means sharing responsibility and a shared responsibility for everyone's well-being," she said, "Equality means opportunities for everyone, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion or wealth."
She warned that cuts in public spending planned by prime minister-designate Petteri Orpo (NCP) could undermine fundamental rights.
According to Marin, Finland's problems will not be solved by returning to the path of cuts and austerity or by turning inwards on immigration policy.
She also reiterated that "support for Ukraine must continue in political, financial and material terms".