ALDE Party member Keskusta gathered in Tampere this weekend for a party Congress to mark their 120th anniversary. Delegates celebrated the milestone with speeches, policy debates and the traditional march through the city streets waving party flags.
The Congress comes at a time of significant political and economic uncertainty across Europe. The party used the occasion not only to reflect on their history, but also to outline their vision for Finland's future.
Delegates unanimously re-elected Antti Kaikkonen as party Chair. Hilkka Kemppi, Markku Siponen and Markus Lohi were elected as Vice-Chairs, while Antti Siika-aho secured a further term as party Secretary.
The Congress highlighted growing momentum within the party. More than 3,100 new members have joined Keskusta over the past year and a half, a notable development as the party seeks to strengthen its position ahead of the next parliamentary elections.
ALDE Party President Svenja Hahn MEP spoke at the Congress, saying:
“This congress is happening at an important moment for Finland and Europe, as authoritarian forces are growing stronger and polarisation is becoming louder. It is easy for some in the far left and the far right to offer simple solutions to incredibly complex problems. This is why strong, credible centre movements like Keskusta matter more than ever, not just for Finland, but for the direction of Europe as a whole.”
Central to the weekend was the adoption of the party's new political programme, ‘A New Direction for Finland’. The programme sets out Keskusta's response to Finland's long-term challenges, while emphasising hope and confidence in the country's future.
Its six main priorities focus on security, trust in society, sustainable economic growth, responding to demographic change, ensuring the vitality of all regions of Finland and supporting the transition towards a society of moderation. Delegates also repeatedly stressed their ambition to make Finland the safest country in the world.
Party leader Kaikkonen said the programme reflects the values that have guided the party throughout its history:
"In the new programme of principles, we talk about human dignity, civilisation, trust and community. We talk about moderation in a time when many people are looking for solutions from extremes. We talk about the fact that every person is equally valuable and that no one is left behind. This is our principle, ideology and line."
The anniversary year itself remains a major focus for the party. Throughout this year, Keskusta will mark its 120 years by reflecting on the people and ideas that shaped the movement since its foundation. Keskusta is now looking to build on recent momentum ahead of elections in 2027.
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Daniela's take:
"Keskusta’s congress felt very energetic and positive, with celebrations around the party’s 120th anniversary and with over 2,000 people actively debating the leadership and key policy priorities. The congress felt like a crucial moment where the party is showing they are ready to fight and continue the growing momentum ahead of the next elections in 2027. The attendance of international guests and sister parties also highlighted Keskusta’s long-standing membership within ALDE Party."
Daniela Morales Garcia, Senior Policy Adviser 