Tougher security, equal child care focused in new budget

In its budget decisions, the three-party coalition government on Thursday announced a breakthrough in the long debate on domestic child care, and plans for tougher security laws.

In a major political turnaround, the government will make the system of compensated legal time-off from work more equal. The current system has given mothers twice as much time off than fathers. It has resulted in shorter careers for women and lower pension accrual.

Finnish children have legally mandated right to "early education" in day care centers. In the future, families can also get domestic care support until the child is three years old.

Following the brutal stabbing attack in Turku, funding for the ordinary police and the security police will be further increased.

Ari Hakahuhta, leading political correspondent of the national broadcaster Yle, said on Thursday the government now wanted to show unity and its ability to function, after the split of the Finns Party.

Hakahuhta noted that although tax concessions were given, many previous cutbacks have remained valid.

To finance tax concessions, the government plans to increase the alcohol tax. There will also be a special tax on power plants that use fossil fuels.

The total budget for 2018 is 55.7 billion euros. The deficit is 2.96 billion and will be covered with new loans.

Prime Minister Juha Sipilä said he believes the levelling off of the debt has started. Earlier this year, the need for new loans was seen as 5.4 billion euros.