Most of the members of the Centre Party executive express support for Party Secretary Jarmo Korhonen, who has recently voiced opinions differing from those of the party's Chairman, Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen.
The Helsinki office of Alma Media asked members of the Centre Party leadership for their views on Korhonen.
Of the 25 members of the party executive contacted by Alma Media, 14 felt that Korhonen's activities have been to the benefit of the party. Only one respondent felt that the differing views of Korhonen and the Prime Minister hurt the credibility of the party.
Korhonen has voiced views that differ from those of Vanhanen on a number of issues including day care fees, the annexation of part of Sipoo by Helsinki, and the timing of cuts on VAT on food.
None of the party leaders responding to the inquiry supported Vanhanen's view that the cut in VAT on food should postponed until 2010. Korhonen's view that the reduction should be enacted already in 2009 got the support of 19 members.
