ALDE Party member Svenska Folkpartiet (SFP) gathered in Vanta last weekend to mark their 120th anniversary Congress, setting a new direction ahead of Finland’s 2027 parliamentary elections.
The anniversary Congress gave delegates a moment to reflect on the party’s role as a liberal force in Finnish politics at a time of growing political polarisation and economic uncertainty.
Delegates voted to re-elect Anders Adlercreutz, who has led the party since 2024 and will now lead the party into the next election cycle. Sandra Bergqvist, Ramieza Mahdi and Cecilia Ehrnrooth were also elected by delegates as vice-Chairs.
ALDE Party President Svenja Hahn MEP congratulated the party:
“SFP holds a very special place within the ALDE family. You have been members for almost three decades now. You have done something that very few parties anywhere in Europe have managed: you have stayed true to your roots while remaining open to the world. You have defended a community without becoming closed.”
Party leader Adlercreutz used the occasion to outline the party's vision as a bridge-builder heading into the next election cycle.
“We are heading towards the next parliamentary elections with the aim of strengthening our support and offering Finland the kind of policy the country needs. We must accelerate economic growth because only through growth can we increase employment and secure high-quality healthcare for all.
As debate escalates and confrontation deepens, we need a party that builds bridges instead of walls, combines freedom and responsibility and believes in people and an open society. That is why we are needed now more than ever.”
As political polarisation spreads across Europe, he added that stability, education and economic growth remain at the heart of the party programme. Skills and long-term competitiveness will also be key to Finland's future success.
Delegates discussed the importance of stronger Nordic cooperation in an uncertain world. The Congress urged the Nordic countries to work more closely together on innovation, education and economic policy, arguing that it could strengthen the region's resilience.
With ten months until the next parliamentary elections, the congress reaffirmed the party's commitment to growth, trust in institutions and an open society. The party now enters the campaign phase seeking to translate its long-term vision into electoral support across Finland.
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Daniela's take:
"I had the chance to attend the SFP congress, and it felt like a big family reunion. It began memorably with a choir setting the tone before the political work started. There was a strong sense of unity and the impression of a party that is confident ahead of the upcoming elections. The European presence was quite prominent with ALDE Party hosting a seminar the night before on the key challenges for Europe and Finland, but also representatives ALDE members took the floor underlining the SFP’s place within the liberal family."
Daniela Morales Garcia, Senior Policy Adviser 