Donald Trump’s United States does not inspire confidence in Finns.
Only four percent of Finns who responded to MTV’s survey believe that Finland can fully trust the United States as a partner.
Based on a recent MTV survey, it appears that ordinary Finns’ trust in today’s United States is not strong.
Only 14% of respondents said they completely or somewhat agreed with the statement “Donald Trump’s United States is a partner that Finland can still trust.” A full 74% of respondents completely or somewhat disagreed.
The survey was conducted from Friday last week to Wednesday this week and 1,033 Finns responded. The survey was conducted by the research company Verian on behalf of MTV.
Men Trust More than Women
They are slightly more confident about US military aid in a situation where Finland would become a party to a conflict.
32% of respondents trust US military aid at least quite a lot. 46% are clearly skeptical about receiving US support.
Men have slightly more confidence in Trump than women. 40% of men completely or somewhat agreed that Trump’s United States would provide help in a time of need. The corresponding percentage for women was 24%.
In addition, supporters of the National Coalition Party, the Finns Party and the Center Party are more confident in Trump’s help compared to supporters of the Social Democratic Party, the Green League, the Swedish People’s Party and the Left Alliance.
Support for a Cautious US Line
The Finnish state leadership’s public attitude towards Donald Trump and the actions of this administration has from time to time seemed cautious. In his speech to the Parliament, President Stubb described Finland’s position as follows, among other things.
“There are things we can influence and things we can say about. Sometimes you have to choose your battles. ‘Pick your battles’, as they say in English,” Stubb said, referring to the Venezuela and Greenland issues, among other things.
The US line adopted under Stubb’s leadership receives support from citizens in an MTV survey. The majority of respondents fully or somewhat agree that it is sensible for the Finnish state leadership to refrain from strong criticism of Trump’s United States. In particular, supporters of the Left Alliance believe that more criticism should be given.
Close Relations Are Valued
President Stubb has maintained close contact with Trump and has met him on the golf course and in the White House, among other places.
Stubb’s golf diplomacy receives the approval of the majority of the people: as many as 75% of respondents believe that Stubb should cultivate relatively close relations with Trump.
Based on: MTV (in Finnish)