Defence forces survey: Appetite for national defence and conscription has declined

Uutiset -

    Finns’ support for conscription and national defence has decreased, according to a survey by The Advisory Board of Defence Information (MTS).

Just over half (52 percent) of respondents believe Finland’s defence system should be based on mandatory conscription for men, and voluntary conscription for women. The figure is considerably lower than in previous years.

The Finnish Constitution stipulates that every male Finnish citizen is obligated to participate in national defence. All Finnish men aged between 18 and 60 are liable to complete military service, and women can opt to do it on a voluntary basis.

Military service has to be completed as armed or unarmed military service, or non-military (civil) service.

Almost a quarter of respondents preferred a conscription that would apply to both men and women. The idea of voluntary conscription for both sexes, or a professional army got much less support.

The MTS survey has in previous years raised concerns after it emerged support for national defence was consistently declining.

This year’s respondents estimate Finland is less prepared for all threats - except for the threat of infectious diseases and epidemics - than last year.

Three-quarters of respondents said Finland has succeeded fairly well or very well in its handling of coronavirus.

According to the survey results, a military alliance is still not an appealing option for many people. Support for a Nato-membership seems to have stabilised at around 20 percent.

Source: https://yle.fi/uutiset/osasto/news/