Finnish people viewed that the current social security system is complicated and difficult to understand, said the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health on Thursday referring to the report of a series of social security dialogues.
The people also emphasised to the need for significant development in the system.
The ministry held the dialogues the Timeout Foundation brought out a wide variety of views and development suggestions from citizens on the future of social security.
The outcomes of the dialogues will be presented at a webinar on May 15.
The participants suggested for developing the system related to improving access to information, simplifying the system and the application process, providing personal service, improving the availability of health and social services, and taking better account of special groups, such as young people, self-employed people and entrepreneurs and those needing security on a long-term basis.
During the discussions, it was suggested that, instead of cuts, the financing base be strengthened by means of taxation, employment growth and economic growth, the benefits be better allocated to those most in need of support and the effectiveness and efficiency of the system be improved, among others.
A system that reacts to cyclical fluctuations was seen as a possible solution to the challenges of financing the system. One of the key suggestions discussed was also targeting the child benefit at people on low incomes.
During the 27 dialogues held between December 2024 and March 2025, participants described social security not only as a financial safety net but also as a building block for values and national identity.
“Citizens’ views are largely in line with the objectives set for the social security reform. The dialogues have helped to identify some of the key challenges of the current system, which are related to the sustainability of the financing base and the coordination of services and benefits, for example,” said Chair of the Social Security Committee Pasi Moisio from the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare.
A total of 229 people – including working-age people, young adults and people belonging to minorities – from across Finland participated in the dialogues.
“The social security dialogues are an excellent example of how enabling a constructive public discussion on important societal issues strengthens both mutual and social trust and thereby also democracy,” said Laura Arikka, Executive Director of the Timeout Foundation.
“Hearing citizens’ views is not just about collecting information; it is also a way of promoting inclusion. Citizens’ views are a valuable contribution that supports decision-making,” said Director General Liisa Siika-aho from the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, who heads the social security reform.
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
