People-oriented and sustainable – the Centre Party

CONTENTS

1. TO THE READER
   1.1 The Centre Party is the party for all of Finland
   1.2 Statement of principles – the foundation of the Centre Party

   2.CENTRE PARTY’S WORLD VIEW – AN OPEN AND COOPERATIVE FINLAND
   2.1 A country where people are all equally valued and appreciated
   2.2 Thinking big, acting sustainably

   3. CENTRE PARTY’S FUTURE VIEW – TOWARDS A MORE SUSTAINBLE SOCIETY AND MEANINGFUL EVERYDAY LIFE
   3.1 The future will require new types of skills
   3.2 Relationship with nature – bond between humus and humanism
   3.3 Seeking a new, sustainable economy
   3.4 Leave no one behind

2. CENTRE PARTY’S VIEW OF HUMANITY – EFFECTIVE AND RESPONSIBLE ACTOR
   4.1 Life: holistic growth as a person
   4.2 Centre Party’s concept of humankind – bond between humanity, education and trust
   4.3 Relationship between humanity and society

   5. FROM WORDS TO DEEDS

1.2 Statement of principles – the foundation of the Centre Party

The entire state of Finland has been built on moderate Centre Party values for more than 120 years. In recent years, however, those travelling the middle of the road have had less seats at the political table. Uncompromising attitudes are increasing and constructive, solution-based problem-solving decreasing. Life in the happiest country in the world seems to be drifting from one crisis to the next. The political field, from the right to the left, is ever more dispersed in Finland and abroad. We are seeing glimpses of radicalisation.  Despite all of this, surveys show that a large percentage of the Finnish population still finds itself in the middle ground.

Europe is currently experiencing the largest and harshest war since WWII with Russia’s war on Ukraine. Russia’s approach is to endeavour to control by destroying and causing general instability. In Finland, this approach has had the greatest impact in eastern Finland, where development has fallen behind the rest of the country.

At the same time, we are, to a growing extent, experiencing the consequences of human activities that are exceeding planetary boundaries – Earth cannot handle the current level of consumption and continuous growth. Climate change and the loss of nature are advancing, the burden on waterways increasing and new plant and animal diseases, pest insects and non-native species are spreading into our environment. Extreme weather phenomena and crises are becoming more common. Immigration brought on by different reasons is increasing and creating its own challenges alongside the acceleration of urbanisation. On top of all that, the birthrate is low and the Finnish population is rapidly ageing.

The service reliability of society under different conditions is one of the key challenges for the future. Contingency planning has become part of our daily lives.

Our understanding of a contract society and the rule of law is changing

Freedom of expression is one of the fundamental rights of a democratic society. Social media phenomena, such as different types of fake media, are threatening the freedom of expression and casting doubt on traditional media. Misanthropic and anti-democratic movements around the world have become organised as their own parties. Global political power is being redistributed in a way that does not meet the principle of justice.

Today, Western democracy is struggling to defend itself. Credible defenders are needed who are willing to commit themselves to actively nurturing a civilised political culture and practices.

Poverty, helplessness and deprivation are increasing and testing the unity of our society. Fiscal savings are too often implemented in a way that repeatedly and negatively impacts the same people, families and groups. Family poverty is a genuine problem in modern-day welfare state of Finland. The diversification of regions is an ongoing challenge. The threat of a return to a night-watchman state and class society, increasing inequality and racism are rearing their ugly heads.

In this situation, we need political leadership driven by a sense of responsibility and values. Citizens expect politicians to draw up consistent policies and remain loyal to agreements, not to derail or complicate their daily lives. Above all, citizens want security, faith in the future and justice. Actions that ensure a better future. Policies that correspond to their own values and principles.

2. Centre Party’s world view – an open and cooperative Finland

2.1 A country where people are all equally valued and appreciated

The Centre Party’s mission is to increase common understanding and create harmony among people within our country and the world amidst geopolitical realities. The Centre Party believes that every person is equally valuable.

We view diversity as a richness and advantage, not as exclusionary or unfair. Our goal is to create a society that recognises the human value of every individual, accepts diversity and fosters collaboration.

The unity of society and trust between people require affirmation of human dignity and the rejection of phenomena that undermine mutual respect. No one can ever be considered to be less than another. Discrimination, bullying and racism in any form shall have no place in Finnish society. They weaken security, break trust and hinder inclusion.

Finland is an open and, from an internal security perspective, a stable, diligent and trustworthy nation. We want to build a safe society where different people can live side-by-side in peace and friendship.

2.2 Thinking big, acting sustainably

The Centre Party is a strong catch-all party. We want to be the adult at the political table for all the tough issues.  We listen to others and seek to build bridges between opposing viewpoints.

Defending the rule of law, human rights and national integrity during difficult times is the core of the Centre Party philosophy. For us, a world order based on rules and agreements serves as a solid foundation.  We rally behind peace in opposition of violence and war. We do not accept any changes in state borders other than those realised through agreements and in accordance with international law.

The European Union is Finland’s most vital partner amidst troublesome global politics. When necessary, we face up to the challenges of a rapidly changing security policy environment and invest in diplomacy as well as in Nordic and other international cooperation, self-sufficiency and security of supply, as well as a sustainable and socially-just economy.

We strengthen patriotism and treasure Finnish culture. Our world view is rooted in Finnish language, culture and spiritual values, which are the basis of civilisation, community and social unity.  We defend Swedish as our second national language. We recognise the position of Finland’s minority language speakers. We prize Christians values as part of our national culture. We also respect other outlooks on life.

One aspect of the Centre Party’s world view is also the desire to develop a modern, vibrant democracy and to strengthen the functional possibilities of civil society. Democracy must remain the winning form of government in the future. In Finland, we want social peace to be guaranteed through democracy and constraint.

Democratic decision-making as close to the level of the people as possible helps to safeguard the equality and justice of citizens. We create the conditions for NGOs and volunteering work. This enhances community and trust.

3. Centre Party’s future view – towards a more sustainable society and meaningful everyday life

3.1 The future will require new types of skills

A resilient society challenges us to see the overall picture. Responding to the challenges of the future requires new types of civic skills that are built on education and learning, thereby strengthening the competence level of the entire population.

Eliminating prejudice through education and science

We must actively seek to rid ourselves of prejudice and social structures that further inequality. Education is vital for advancing future skills, respect for diversity and open-mindedness. Education and civility as well as culture and art are fundamental prerequisites for the development and preservation of humanity and a force that drives social cohesion.

Education and civility serve as counterforces to the urgency and selfishness of our time. Culture and art help us to understand our own background, history and place in the world.

The Centre Party welcomes development. Technological advances are changing the world. Although Finland is a high-tech country, technology should not be allowed to guide our future. Education and learning are necessary to ensure that we are able to wisely manage technological progress. AI is a big opportunity that will increase and change many jobs and methods of working. At the same time, we must recognise the risks and threats that come with it.

Science helps us to understand larger concepts, to evaluate the past and present, and to envision the future. Science and research open the door to genuine knowledge, problem solving, the development of society and sustainable wellbeing. The Centre Party relies on independent, research-based knowledge as the foundation for its decision-making.

3.2 Relationship with nature – bond between humus and humanism

A diverse relationship with nature is an elemental part of the mindscape of many of the members and supporters of the Centre Party. The environmental approach of the Centre Party emphasises the importance of nature and life’s dependence on nature. It is characterised as a bond between humus and humanism. We have the right to make use of the renewable resources provided by nature, but in harmony with nature and through respect for environmental sustainability. The Centre Party is an ardent defender of sustainable Finnish agriculture and forestry.

Nature and the countryside are valuable resources for us for managing with the many crises of our time. If the countryside is doing well, the cities will also do well. It must be possible for those in cities to have a true connection to nature as well through, for example, urban forests and landscaping.

Centre Party thinking is based on decentralism and a decentralised society. It provides the starting point for sustainable growth, the prudent use of renewable resources, and the mitigation of climate change, loss of nature and the weakening state of our waterways. A decentralised society is a crisis-resistant society built on local communities. This system is the best security policy in exceptional times. Decentralised energy production is also the most crisis-resistant way to produce energy.

Biodiversity is a value that the Centre Party approaches in terms of both use and conservation. The intergenerational dimension and the recognition of the intrinsic value of nature are also key elements of sustainability. The value of nature is measured by its ability to sustain the wellbeing of all living things. The Earth provides for us all.

3.3 Seeking a new, sustainable economy

The transition to a more sustainable society and a post-fossil fuel era of renewable resources and energy requires us to be able to adapt to change. The transition is not just a technical change, but a comprehensive change in values and lifestyle, where stability and balance are found in sustainability, by understanding the limitations of natural resources.

Moderation is rising to the centre of political discourse in a new way through consumption and its regulation. Material-based consumption can no longer continue to increase and is not a measure of our level of happiness. We dismantle structures that favour overconsumption and encourage people to live a more sustainable life that will benefit generations to come.

The Centre Party model of a sustainable economy is based on a decentralised social structure, the intergenerational use of natural resources and sustainable economic growth. It is founded on livelihood, entrepreneurship and a sharing economy. We favour small and joint ownership rather than large monopolies and big capitals. We encourage diligence, cooperation and value-based activities where the main objective is not only motivated by profit maximisation, but also by the promotion of communal wellbeing, social justice and sustainable development.

The Centre Party approach identifies and recognises the ecological boundary conditions of economic activity and, at the same time, presents new alternatives for reforming our national economy in a way that strives to respect these boundary conditions.

Degrowth is promoted, for example, by new energy communities, cooperative activities, innovative forest management and farming practices such as community supported agriculture and social enterprises within the social welfare and health care sector. New partnerships and networks with social enterprises need to be established.

The sustainable use and preservation of our national wealth – land, bedrock, bodies of water and forests – through domestic ownership is important for the Centre Party. National wealth should also benefit local communities.

The exploitation of nature must be carried out in a just way with consideration for future generations.  The exploitation of one natural resource must not significantly impair the state of another.

It is important for us to ensure fair access to services across the country. The public sector has a role to play as a major provider of security and services, complemented by the private sector and organisations.

3.4 Leave no one behind

The familiar ‘leave no one behind’ principle of sustainable development is a core component of Centre Party thinking. It assumes that a socially, economically, culturally and ecologically just society guarantees everyone a good baseline for wellbeing and a safe and meaningful life. It also serves as our guiding principle at times when more consideration is needed to balance the public economy and reduce indebtedness. In a time when difficult choices must be made, budgetary discussions must be approached in a fair way.

A meaningful life is realised through all aspects of daily life: in the family, at work and within communities. A good life requires a secure livelihood and the possibility to realise and develop yourself, for example, through studies, physical activities, cultural outlets or organisational activities.

This requires the willingness to take responsibility for yourself and the ability to take responsibility for those around you. We want to build a Finland where every child has the opportunity to have a safe and wonderful childhood, and where the economic and social status of families is strengthened. Every child and young person should have equal opportunities to pursue their own dreams.  When young people trust in the future and families are managing well, it has a positive impact on birth rates. We want to build a Finland where every person is equally valuable and guaranteed a dignified and safe life. The elderly and people with disabilities are an active part of society and an important resource in terms of community, volunteering activities and wellbeing.

A deep and diverse relationship with nature is an integral aspect of the mindscape of those in the Centre Party. Our way of life simultaneously reflects what is past and what is to come: we repair and renew, we don’t give in to conspicuous consumption. We approach everyday challenges with solution-oriented initiative. We have respect for our home districts and national culture. Our way of life values roots and family connections.

A good life is not, however, tied to a particular place or form of family. A meaningful and functional everyday life can be had alone or with a family in the heart of the Helsinki metropolitan area as well as in the rural lands of middle Finland or in both, by shifting between multiple locations.

The Centre Party strengthens faith in the future, also during difficult times. Everyone has the right to fail, start and grow again. We also take care of those who do not have the resources or abilities to make their own choices.

4. Centre Party’s view of humanity – effective and responsible actor

4.1 Life: holistic growth as a person

The Centre Party emphasises the human condition as the basis for social decision-making. The generation of new growth and prosperity for society requires stronger advocacy for education and civility. Humanity and its need for development must once again be lifted up as the starting point for all social development.

In the 2030s, this will mean a shift away from mere economic efficiency and competition towards holistic human growth. It means directing social policy, education, technology and democracy to support the mental, social and ethical development of us as people.

The Centre Party views humankind as humane, responsible, equal and communal beings who are both valuable individuals and part of a broader whole.

4.2 Centre Party’s concept of humankind – bond between humanity, education and trust

The Centre Party’s human concept is based on a positive view of humankind. We believe that people strive for good and are more than just individuals who are driving their own interests. This enables us to form mutual relationships founded on trust, not fear.

The Centre Party is not looking to create threats or confrontations, to incite fear of that which is unfamiliar or to demand stricter discipline or control. A society based on trust is always stronger than one founded on fear, despair or a dictatorial approach.

Our human concept is founded on the balance between freedoms and responsibility, rights and obligations. Every person must have as much freedom as possible to make their own life choices within the framework of the law. That freedom is only limited by the understanding that our own choices must not limit the freedom of another person and their choices.

4.3 Relationship between humanity and society

The Centre Party emphasises every person’s responsibility for themselves and those around them. At the same time, people are part of a society where rights and obligations go hand in hand. Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and to seek self-fulfilment. At the same time, we have an obligation to keep developing ourselves. Self-education and personal development were also once emphasised by Santeri Alkio, the ideological father of the Agrarian-Centre Party.

As citizens, we endeavour to remedy society’s issues and influence public debate in a way that builds mutual trust and unity.

We cherish family unity, raise our children to care and tend to our elderly, thereby maintaining the continuity of our moral and humane beliefs.

Relationship between people and work

Work generates trust and assures a future, maintains a functioning society and gives people and society as a whole the possibility to grow. It provides a livelihood, but also gives meaning to life and the opportunity to connect with others. Work should also provide continuity and security.

Within the Centre Party ethos, the value of work is not determined by salary or position. We consider all jobs as being equally valuable, as everyone contributes to the building of the common good according to their own conditions and abilities. All workers must have the opportunity to influence their own work and working conditions.

As a society, we must ensure that everyone is offered the opportunity to work, including those with a partial work ability and those who have moved here, in order to ensure that they can participate, integrate and utilise their skills to the benefit of everyone. We need to make it easier to reconcile work and other aspects of life, such as family. The Centre Party has a positive attitude towards remote working for those tasks for which such a system is suitable.

Local activity and entrepreneurship create vitality and opportunities in all parts of the country. We support entrepreneurial interest already at an early stage, so that people learn when they are young how to develop their ideas and take responsibility.

Businesses are beneficial for their surroundings. They bring new jobs. They increase wellbeing and functional communities, where cooperation and mutual support strengthen local prosperity. Finland needs more entrepreneurs and companies.

Relationship between work and technology

As technological changes take hold, employees must not become mere tools, but their work should continue to be valued and they should continue to be respected. We must ensure that technological development supports social sustainability, employment, justice and regional equality.

Technology and AI must not limit human creativity or civilization. The benefits of AI must not belong to only a few global actors, nor give rise to dependency in a way that undermines our democracy or sense of community.

For the Centre Party, humanity serves as both the starting point and the objective of all social activities.

5. FROM WORDS TO DEEDS

Dear reader,

For the Centre Party, politics is about actions, solutions and the courage to take initiative, not reminiscing about the past or criticising others. Our politics are based on the values and principles that we have touched on briefly in this statement of principles. These are not just words on paper but the foundations for everyday decisions.

We talk about things that are likely to affect your life too: home, work, livelihood, and future security. You can trust that we will stand on the side of moderation, sustainability and justice every day of the year, both at the kitchen table and in the workplace.

Finland is more to us than a country on a map. Finland is our home country. A homeland that is worth upholding and defending. Its greatest strength lies in its freedom – the right for everyone to build a life of their own anywhere in Finland. This must be the case tomorrow as well.

Democratic approaches and a republican rationale are not simply fancy words but the way we work. We want to invite you to join us in building a better society. We shall prepare it together We shall decide together. We shall realise it together.

Join us! Let’s build a future that will last.