8 d. ago The left is rising, and the far right is reeling. Will I finally see the Finland I dreamed of? | Mike Watson

My adopted home has been a dark place of late. But in last week’s local elections, voters turned against cruel politics – and raised hopes of a more progressive futureThe Finns say “spring comes in swinging” – when winter gives way to spring, and green shoots meet the final flurries of snow, often well into April. In Finnish politics, too, some hope is beginning to emerge after a long, dark winter.In municipal, regional and mayoral elections held across the country last week, rightwing populist parties were roundly defeated, while parties on the left gained ground. In particular, the far-right Finns party saw its vote share collapse, from 20% in the general election of 2023 to as low as 7.6% now. This leaves the coalition government of which it forms a part severely weakened and the centre-left Social Democratic party (SDP) with the biggest vote share nationwide (23%). When the Finns party leader, Riikka Purra, admitted defeat on results night, she complained that a punainen aalto, ...

Politics

2 w. ago UK weather: Snow storm forecast as 'mini heatwave' to come to chilly end in Arctic blast

The UK could see temperatures rise up to 24C as we enjoy glorious sunshine but maps show for the start of next week there is a very different outlook with snow as the mercury plummets

Society

2 w. ago UK weather: Snow storm forecast as Brits face SIX DAYS of Arctic chaos

Advanced weather modelling maps have shown how the glorious sunny weather conditions currently across the UK could be replaced with potential snow and heavy rain next week

Events

3 w. ago Huge snow bomb forecast to hit Britain days after spring heat burst

The storm, forecast to fall across a large swathe of the UK, will see up to 7 centimetres inches of snow blanketing some areas - with one major city bearing the brunt of upcoming snowfall

Events

3 w. ago Snow in Spring as 40 counties across UK could be blasted by Arctic storm in days

The UK is set to be battered with snow coming in from the Arctic in an unexpected turn later this month. Up to 40 counties will be affected with the hardest hit getting 3cm an hour

Events

3 w. ago UK weather: Snow forecast as 40 counties face shock Arctic storm bringing 3cm

Advanced weather modelling maps suggest a shock Arctic snow storm will hit the UK later this month, impacting as many as 40 counties and bringing 3cm of the white stuff to some regions

Events

3 w. ago UK weather: Snow storm forecast as Brits face shock Arctic blast across UK

Brits have been told to prepare for a switch in weather conditions following a week of sizzling sun. From next week, some parts of the UK could experience snow

Events