The Finns Party (Perussuomalaiset in Finnish -- the direct translation would be “Fundamental Finns” or “True Finns”) is one the most successful national populist parties in Europe. Currently it holds 46 out of 200 seats in the Finnish Parliament as well as 7 of 19 ministerial portfolios, most importantly those of finance, interior, and justice. The Speaker of the Parliament is also a member of the Finns party. The party was founded in 1995; before the 2011 parliamentary elections, it only managed to win between one and five seats in parliament. In 2011, the party won 39 seats, then 38 in 2015, again 39 in 2019, and most recently 46 in the 2023 parliamentary elections. It is by far the most controversial party in Finland and it has been accused of racism, xenophobia and authoritarianism. Some commentators see it as far-right and antidemocratic, even a fascist, party. Others see it as a strict anti-immigration and nationalist party, albeit committed to the rule of law and democratic means of advancing its political goals. The lecture describes the growth of the party and sheds light on the reasons for its popularity, not only from a Finnish perspective, but also within a wider European framework.

Professor of Contemporary History Markku Jokisipilä is Director of the Center for Parliamentary Studies at the University of Turku. He is author or editor of ten books and many articles on Finnish history, including on Finland's relationship to Nazi Germany, diplomatic history, the history of sport, and political use and misuse of history. He has served on a variety of commissions for the Finnish state. He is also columnist and frequent contributor to public debate.