Finnish companies dislike government’s response to economic crisis

Finnish companies generally find the government’s policies regarding the coronavirus epidemic positive. However, 78% of companies think that the government did not handle the economic crises well.

The Central Finland Chamber of Commerce made a survey among member companies and asked about their opinions about the government’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.

According to the results of the survey, 55% of the member companies feel that the government has handled the economic crisis very poorly.

The survey was conducted in early May and was responded by about 2,500 member companies of the chambers of commerce.

Responses were collected from all industries throughout Finland and from companies of all sizes.

A serious message

Juho Romakkaniemi, CEO of the Central Chamber of Commerce, considers the result of the survey a serious message to the government.

Romakkaniemi said “the same companies that are satisfied with the government's actions in dealing with the coronavirus epidemic are dissatisfied with the treatment of the economic crisis caused by Covid-19. Companies are really feeling distressed by the government’s so far too little economic policy response. You can still improve your response, but the time is right now.”

According to Mauri Kotamäki, Chief Economist of the Central Chamber of Commerce, the situation in the business field is now difficult, but stable, as the survey shows.

Kotamäki said that “uncertainty is poison to business. If the government could be clear and transparent in its intentions, it would help companies plan their future better.”