Poll: Only a fifth of Finns back NATO membership
A majority of Finns still believe that Finland should remain outside the NATO military alliance, according to the latest Yle-commissioned poll.
More than half of respondents, 53 percent, polled by Taloustutkimus for Yle believe that Finland should not become a member of NATO.
Only 19 percent of respondents said yes to Finnish membership in the alliance. This figure has fallen noticeably compared to corresponding polls in 2015 and 2014.
When asked if Sweden were to join NATO would they back Finland also taking up membership, 30 percent said yes.
On the other hand, 50 percent believe that Finland should remain outside NATO, even if Sweden joins.
Majority still wants a referendum
Support for a referendum on NATO membership has declined from 63 percent in 2015 to 54 percent in this latest poll.
Backing for a vote is highest among supporters of the Social Democratic Party, the Centre Party, and the Finns Party. The lowest level was among voters from the Swedish People’s Party and the conservative National Coalition.
President Sauli Niinistö has expressed the view that a decision on possible Finnish NATO membership would require a referendum.
Many respondents to this poll, 28 percent, are undecided on the membership issue.
1,005 Finns were interviewed for the poll, conducted by Taloustutkimus in late November and early December. The margin of error is 2.5 percentage points.
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: Surveillance and search and rescue top Canada’s Arctic defence priorities, Radio Canada International
Denmark: Denmark’s new defence agreement renews focus on protecting the Baltic, Radio Canada International
Finland: Finland-US military exercises decision expected next spring, Yle News
Norway: Nordic soldiers to wear common uniforms, The Independent Barents Observer
Russia: What Russia’s new Navy Strategy says about the Arctic, The Independent Barents Observer
Sweden: Sweden’s Prime Minister reaffirms commitment to country’s defense, Radio Sweden
United States: Here’s what’s in the U.S. Defense Department’s new Arctic strategy, Alaska Dispatch News
