President Halonen: Growth of inequality in society could be resisted

The difference between the life expectancy between the highest and lowest income brackets is almost 13 years for men and seven years for women, the President pointed out

President Tarja Halonen

print this

President Tarja Halonen believes that the growth of inequality in society is not a force of nature. It can be fought back against.
      ”With our welfare society, we can ensure that people are treated equally and that we can also remain competitive globally. It is all about political will and skill of execution”, the President said in her traditional televised New Year’s address.
     
President Halonen expressed her concern over the fact that economic disparities are gradually insinuating themselves into all walks of life.
      ”As income differentials have grown in Finland, so have differences in health. Differences between the life expectancies in various income brackets have grown rapidly”, the President continued.
     
Halonen pointed out that the difference in life expectancy between the highest and lowest income brackets is almost 13 years for men and seven years for women.
      ”Poverty among children has increased at an alarming rate. The social exclusion of young people is not something that we want to see in our society”, President Halonen argued.
     
President Halonen concluded her speech by saying that as the President of the Republic she has sought to fulfil her oath of office in upholding the law and acting in the best interests of the Finnish people.
      On behalf of herself and her spouse, President Halonen thanked all citizens for their cordial support and their many communications over the past 12 years.
      Later this month, Finns will go to the polls to elect a new President for a six-year term.
      Halonen's successor will be sworn in either in February or in March, depending on whether the election requires a second round run-off between two of the eight candidates standing for the office.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  In New Year speech, President calls for further measures to reduce violence (2.1.2009)
  President defends welfare services, discusses climate change in New Year speech (2.1.2008)

Links:
  New Year´s Address by President of the Republic of Finland on 1 January 2012

Helsingin Sanomat