Party secretary Eero Heinäluoma chosen as new Social Democratic Party leader

Paavo Lipponen leader bids farewell - says party raised Finland out of recession

Eero Heinäluoma

Erkki Tuomioja

Tuula Haatainen

Paavo Lipponen

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Party Secretary and MP Eero Heinäluoma was chosen as the new Chairman of the Social Democratic Party at the party’s Congress in Jyväskylä on Friday.
      Heinäluoma won on the first ballot, getting 201 of 350 votes.
      His rivals were Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja, who got 138 votes, and Minister of Education Tuula Haatainen, who got just 11 votes.
     
On Thursday, the first day of the three-day congress, the party's outgoing chairman Paavo Lipponen bid an emotional farewell to the delegates. In his address, Lipponen evaluated his own 12 years at the helm of the party, crediting the SDP for pulling Finland out of the recession of the 1990s.
      Lipponen emphasised that Finland has risen to the top of the world, when measured by competitiveness, sustained development, or school education.
      He also says that the line has held during the present government, in which the Centre Party is the main government partner. "Under the leadership of [Finance Minister] Antti Kalliomäki, the continuity of economic policy is guaranteed", he said.
      Lipponen nevertheless gave a warning of the prospects for the coming years. He said that saving public services "could really mean the closing of schools and day care centres". He also called for greater cooperation among local authorities and more municipal mergers.
     
Lipponen conceded that the goal in the policy programme of his second government, that of cutting unemployment in half, was not even close to being implemented. Lipponen nevertheless rebuffed possible criticism of this, asking if anyone could have done a better job.
      Lipponen sidestepped security policy in just a few sentences.
      "We must look around with open minds when the question is one of Finland’s security policy interests. There must be readiness to make decisions when needed, and when Finland’s interests require it", Lipponen said, adding "In this respect we have the heritage of the great Urho Kekkonen to protect."
     
On a topical issue, Lipponen expressed support for the Paperworkers’ Union in its current labour dispute.
      "You are in a truly difficult position. Moderation is your strength. We support you."
     
Lipponen promised the party faithful that he is not retiring just yet.
      "I have said in advance that I am available", he said.
      Paavo Lipponen was Prime Minister for eight years from 1995 to 2003. He is currently the Speaker of Parliament.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Foreign Minister Tuomioja seeks Social Democratic Party leadership (4.4.2005)
  Heinäluoma and Koskinen join SDP leadership race, Tuomioja still considering decision (18.3.2005)
  Kalliomäki endorses Heinäluoma as Social Democratic Party leader (11.3.2005)

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