(L-R) Chairs of the Finnish Christian Democrats, the Finns Party, the National Coalition Party, and the Swedish People's Party, which constitute the new coalition government of Finland, pose for a photo during a press conference in Helsinki, Finland, June 16, 2023. The new government of Finland unveiled its policy program and pision of ministerial posts on Friday, highlighting a commitment to safeguarding the welfare society. (Photo by Matti Matikainen/Xinhua)
HELSINKI, June 17 (Xinhua) -- The new government of Finland unveiled its policy program and division of ministerial posts on Friday, highlighting a commitment to safeguarding the welfare society.
The new government will safeguard the welfare society, ensure adequate services for all, and promote the balanced development of the national economy, said the government's press release on Friday.
It will make adjustments to taxation, lowering personal income tax and increasing value-added tax on items such as pharmaceuticals, sports services, film screenings, etc, it said.
Regarding immigration, the government plans to significantly lower the refugee quota and raise the threshold for permanent residence permits, including requirements related to continuous residency and language proficiency.
The coalition government consists of the conservative National Coalition Party, the right-wing Finns Party, the Finnish Christian Democrats, and the Swedish People's Party.
According to the cabinet position allocation plan, the new government will consist of a Prime Minister and 18 ministers, the same as the current one. ■