Finnish Finance Minister Riikka Purra (Finns) says the previous government's social and healthcare reform — commonly referred to as the Sote reform — has been a failure.
Speaking during a broadcast of Yle TV1's A-studio programme on Monday evening, Purra said the current system, which consists of 21 wellbeing service counties, is not functioning effectively.
"It's certainly no secret that I'm not a big fan of this setup," Purra remarked.
She particularly criticised the structural costs within these regions and suggested that the Ministry of Finance could, if necessary, initiate an evaluation process that might lead to the consolidation of some welfare regions.
Purra noted that the current government neither intends nor is capable of making radical changes to the social and healthcare system. Instead, any modifications would take place over a longer period.
"One of the key themes in the next parliamentary elections will be what to do about this issue," Purra stated.
When asked about specific measures to ease the situation, Purra responded by saying that she would adhere to the government programme.
"The government aims to manage with this structure," she said.
Purra expressed concern over the financial deficits accumulating in the regions, noting that the government is closely monitoring how these figures develop.
"At present, costs cannot be contained, which likely means that more state guidance towards the regions will be necessary," Purra said.
The wellbeing service counties have accrued a deficit of nearly 1.5 billion euros this year.
Several regions have announced lay-off talks due to the tight financial situation. For instance, the Helsinki and Uusimaa Hospital District (HUS) confirmed on Monday that it might have to reduce its workforce by nearly a thousand employees.
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