In next year’s budget, the government promises 56 million to strengthen the vitality of eastern Finland.
The region has lost several investments since Russia invaded Ukraine. For example, the giant renovation of the Saimaa canal is about to be cancelled, the development of the Parikkala border crossing is on hold, and rail projects connecting to Russia have been postponed.
– Yes, this is in the right direction, but I’m terribly afraid that this will not finish the world yet. But it’s good that this has now been implemented, says Mäkinen.
The money would be good for Etelä-Savo too
Only a few of the support measures on the government’s list target Etelä-Savo.
According to regional director Pentti Mäkinen, the targets are justified because, for example, the Karelia railway is in worse condition than the Savo railway. Of course, the money would be good for Etelä-Savo as well.
– This cannot be the whole, but the state money included in the investment program must be directed to the Savo track within the normal framework of the budget.
\”Investing in tourism makes you happy\”
Mäkinen comments on other proposals in the government’s supplementary budget as follows.
Visit Finland will receive two million euros for strengthening and marketing Finland’s image. In addition, Visit Saimaa receives half a million euros in further funding from EU regional development funds.
– It is gratifying that investment is being made in tourism, which especially suffers from the effects of the war. The fact that the objects have been defined in great detail is a bit worrying. I would have liked it to have been given more room for movement. In the regions, we are the best experts to see where funding should be allocated.
– Transport needs and routes have changed and costs have risen as a result of the war. This is justified because we have long distances.
– It remains open how the attraction sector is defined. All the provinces of eastern Finland have brought this up, insofar as it is in the right direction. But whether this is sufficient is another question.
– This is an important question in terms of the employment rate, says Mäkinen.
_You can discuss the topic until 23.00 on September 2, 2022._