Entrepreneurs’ satisfaction with the Finnish government has declined sharply over the past six months, reaching its lowest level of the current parliamentary term, according to a new survey conducted by Verian for the Federation of Finnish Enterprises.
The latest Entrepreneur Gallup shows that just 36 percent of small and medium-sized enterprise owners are satisfied with the government, down from 42 percent recorded in May. Satisfaction with opposition parties remains significantly lower, at 12 percent. Both figures represent record lows during the ongoing term.
“The slowdown in the economy, lack of growth and accelerating public debt reduce entrepreneurs’ satisfaction,” said Mikael Pentikäinen, chief executive of the Federation of Finnish Enterprises. He added that respondents also expressed doubts about the opposition’s ability to offer credible alternatives.
The survey highlights notable differences among entrepreneur groups. Business owners employing more than ten people, as well as those in the construction sector, reported the highest levels of satisfaction with the government. In contrast, sole traders, women entrepreneurs, and younger business owners expressed the most critical views.
Perceptions of key political leaders also varied. Entrepreneurs rated Finance Minister Riikka Purra more favorably than Prime Minister Petteri Orpo. While approval of Purra has remained stable, satisfaction with Orpo has declined.
“Government policy becomes personalized in the prime minister, even though his ability to influence economic growth is limited,” Pentikäinen said. “Entrepreneurs are frustrated when the economy does not grow and consumer confidence does not improve.”
As political parties prepare for the final stretch of the parliamentary term, the survey underscores the importance of entrepreneurs as a voting bloc. “Entrepreneurs are active voters. They closely follow labor market and tax policies presented ahead of elections,” Pentikäinen noted.
Despite declining overall satisfaction, the National Coalition Party remains the most popular choice among entrepreneurs, with 32 percent support though this marks a four-point drop since last August. The Finns Party has increased its backing to 14 percent, while the Centre Party stands at 12 percent.
The National Coalition Party leads across all entrepreneur groups. Among younger entrepreneurs, the Finns Party ranks second, while in northern Finland the Centre Party has narrowed the gap with the leading party. Support for the Social Democratic Party of Finland has fallen from seven percent to five percent, placing it level with the Green Party of Finland.
Pentikäinen said entrepreneurs have taken note of opposition proposals, particularly from the Social Democrats. “Proposals to tighten taxation of entrepreneurs and public criticism of labor market reforms may weaken the party’s support among entrepreneurs,” he said.
The survey was conducted between 2 and 9 February 2026 and included responses from 1,185 representatives of small and medium-sized enterprises across Finland.
