Govt narrowly escapes no-confidence motion

The three-party alliance government on Friday narrowly escaped a no confidence motion brought by three opposition parties.

The main opposition Suomen Sosialidemokraattinen Puolue (Social Democratic Party of Finland-SDP) brought the motion accusing the government of its failure to stop increasing social inequality in the country, which was supported by two other opposition parties Vihreä Liitö (Green League) and the Vasemmistoliitto (Left Alliance).

The House, however, rejected the motion as 99 lawmakers of the ruling parties in the 200-seat parliament cast votes against the motion while 84 opposition lawmakers supported it.

Sixteen lawmakers either remained absent or refrained from the casting votes.

Earlier, on Thursday the ministers defended their position in the house against the proposal.

They claimed that the austerity measures were essential to boost the economy and overcome the state debt.