In Finland, people are accustomed to a proportional electoral system where the number of representatives a party receives corresponds reasonably well to the proportion of votes it gets. Therefore, in Finland's 200-seat parliament, there are as many as nine parties, the largest of which has 48 representatives. This forces parties to form multi-party coalitions, resulting in relatively stable politics over time.
It's different in Britain, where the single-member district system has practically led to a two-party system. Other parties have little chance of getting their candidates elected, but they significantly influence the support of the two major parties.
Thus, the 14 percent support received by Nigel Farage's Reform UK party in the recent parliamentary elections resulted in the Labour Party gaining almost fifty percent more representatives than in the previous term with only about a two percent increase in support. Meanwhile, Reform UK itself received only a few seats.
At the same time, the previously ruling Conservative Party practically collapsed, and Britain is facing a radical change in political direction. According to the Labour party's election program, this will have unpredictable consequences especially for the country's domestic politics.
This is because, at least from here in Finland, the party's program seems more like hand-waving, that is, irresponsible redistribution politics rather than a serious political plan. This is because Britain's public finances are heavily indebted: the national debt is over 100 percent of the gross domestic product.
Of course, time will tell whether my impression is accurate or if it's just a Nordic prejudice. However, I wouldn't bet that the Labour Party's term in office will bring long-term success to the island nation.
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