S&P revises Finland’s credit rating to negative at AA+

Credit rating agency S&P Global Ratings revised its outlook of Finland’s credit rating to negative and affirmed the rating as AA+, said the Ministry of Finance in a press release, referring to the S&P rating released on Friday.

According to the ratings, the negative outlook reflects persistent risks to public finances stemming from low growth, ageing demographics, and rising defence and interest expenditure.

There are considerable spending pressures on Finland’s public finances, which limit the effects of the Government’s adjustment measures.

The credit rating agency sees a risk that public debt may continue to rise over 2026–2029.

Meanwhile, the AA+ credit rating, the second highest on the scale did not surprise Finance Minister Riikka Purra.

“Unfortunately, Finland’s figures have made it quite clear that this was coming. Our economic growth has been slower than we expected, and the crisis in the Middle East is the latest bad news,” Minister Purra said.