Economic concern prompts majority Finns to change eating habits

Concern about the economy among the Finnish people remains high, which is reflected in the fact that more than half of Finns have made changes to their consumption habits, according to a survey commissioned by the government.

About 55 per cent of respondents, however, believe that the government’s support for households coping with high electricity costs is largely a step in the right direction, said a government press release on Friday, quoting the October round of the Citizens’ Pulse survey.

The survey results also showed that support for the sanctions imposed on Russia increased among the Finnish people, while more Finns are in favour of receiving Ukrainian refugees,

About 87 per cent of the respondents are in favour of sanctions, while 78 per cent supported the reception of Ukrainian refugees.

“Although households’ concerns about the price of energy and food have been increasing all the time, citizens’ support for the sanctions imposed on Russia and their willingness to help Ukraine have grown even stronger,” said Senior Specialist of the Prime Minister Office Juho Jyrkiäinen.

The survey results showed that about 52 per cent of Finns said they were concerned about the situation following the launch of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

According to the survey, concerns about security and the escalation of the war in Ukraine have once again increased compared to the previous survey, although they have not risen to the level seen in the first half of the year.

In the October survey, 46 per cent of respondents said they were concerned about the crisis in Ukraine and its impacts. This represents an increase of six percentage points from last month.

“The respondents’ views are likely influenced by news about the attacks on the Nord Stream gas pipelines and Russia’s mobilisation,” said Jyrkiäinen.

The Citizens’ Pulse survey examines citizens’ opinions on current topics and the actions of the authorities and asks respondents about their mood and expectations for the future. Statistics Finland is responsible for collecting the survey data.

Earlier in August, a survey commissioned by OP revealed that Price hike changes eating habits of 59% Finns.