The majority of Finns are pessimistic about the near future, according to findings of a survey commissioned by the Foundation for Municipal Development (Kaks).
The foundation's so-called Barometer survey found a vast majority (84%) of Finns do not believe relations between Finland and Russia will improve during this decade.
Nearly as many said they were sceptical that citizens' trust in politics would increase. At the same time 74 percent are not sure Finland will be able to rein in state debt.
Meanwhile just one-quarter of respondents said they believe their optimism about the future will improve.
According to the survey findings, Finns' optimism about the future has significantly weakened compared to a similar poll in the summer of 2022.
Levels of optimism declined most in terms of people's opinions about job development, their livelihoods and taxation fairness.
However, some positivity was found among respondents. Around 80 percent said they felt confident the level of willingness to defend the country will remain at a high level, and that Finland's defence capabilities will continue to be at a top level in the future.
The foundation's survey was carried out by polling firm Verian this autumn. It queried 1,070 Finnish citizens and had a maximum margin of error of just under three percentage points in either direction.
In September, the government-sponsored Citizens' Pulse survey also found that Finns were slightly less optimistic about the future.
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