When it comes to coalitions, national minority political parties are finding themselves playing a unique and influential role. We are witnessing how parties like Junts per Catalunya get to decide if a new government will be formed or not—they’re the kingmakers commanding a unique position, balancing power and steering coalition dynamics.
Today, we will look at the case of the Swedish People’s Party of Finland (Svenska Folkpartiet i Finland, SPF). SPF became the kingmaker in Finland early in the year with a 5 percent party relying on the votes of the Swedish national minority. SPF is an exemplary model showing how national minority parties leverage their influence, given the high demands these parties can make when they find themselves in a position of kingmaker.
National minority parties as kingmakers in European politics
National minority parties are often frowned upon by many. I find them extremely important since I believe in community organising and minority representation. These parties represent the cultural and linguistic diversity within our European nations. They are often a natural advocate for issues such as language rights, cultural preservation, and integration policies.
European politics has seen an increase in the influence of these parties over the years. Parties like SPF in Finland, the Scottish National Party (SNP) or the South Tyrolean People’s Party (Südtiroler Volkspartei) in Italy have a 75-year legacy. A new wave of parties appeared with the fall of the iron wall with parties like the Alliance of Hungarians in Romania (Uniunea Democrată Maghiară din România) founded in 1989. Since the 2000s, a last wave has come due to the rise of identity politics and the growing significance of minority issues.This late wave saw the rise of Corsica Libera in 2009, New Flemish Alliance (Nieuw-Vlaamse Alliantie) in 2001, and the Junts per Catalonya in 2020.
While national minority parties may not always be the largest players in the political arena, they are influential. They represent a wider range of political stances considering they represent a community more than an ideology.
The Swedish People’s Party of Finland as a kingmaker
The SFP is a prime example of a national minority party that has effectively wielded its influence as a kingmaker. Representing the Swedish-speaking minority in Finland, SFP has consistently occupied a central position in Finnish politics. This influence is anchored in the unique structure of Finland’s political system, where three major parties often fail to secure a parliamentary majority.
The success of SFP in shaping Finnish coalition governments is attributed to several factors:
- Consistency: SFP has been a consistent presence in Finnish politics. This longevity has allowed the party to build trust and credibility with both major parties and voters.
- Effective advocacy: The party has effectively lobbied for minority rights, bilingualism, and Swedish language education, ensuring that their demands are met as a condition for participation in coalition governments.
- Unity within the minority: SFP has successfully maintained the support of the Swedish-speaking minority, presenting a united front when advocating for their interests.
- Pragmatic approach: SFP has demonstrated a pragmatic and flexible approach when negotiating with larger parties, focusing on core issues important to their constituents.
Kingmakers carry high demands
The experience of national minority parties offers a valuable lesson: when these parties find themselves in a kingmaker position, they should be prepared to make high demands.
This approach is not only reasonable but also crucial to ensure that the interests of minority communities are adequately represented and protected within the coalition government.
Keep in mind if you work for national minority parties in a kingmakers position:
- Have clear priorities: Minority parties should identify their core priorities and be unwavering in their commitment to securing them in coalition agreements.
- Get ready for non-negotiables: Certain issues may be non-negotiable for minority parties. They must be willing to walk away from coalition talks if fundamental interests are not met.
- Open up about your long-term vision: Minority parties should keep the long-term interests of their communities in mind, focusing on policies and agreements that benefit their constituents over time.
- Upgrade your negotiation skills: Effective negotiation skills are paramount. Minority parties should be able to articulate their demands clearly and be prepared to compromise where necessary.
- Take community engagement seriously: Maintaining strong support within the minority community is essential. Minority parties should continuously engage with their constituents to understand their concerns and expectations. Read also our previous pieces on the importance of community engagement.
The strategic impact of national minority parties
National minority political parties like the SPF in Finland and Junts per Catalunya in Spain demonstrate the significant role these groups play in European politics. As kingmakers, they are not only crucial in coalition formations but also in ensuring the representation and protection of minority interests, contributing to a more inclusive and representative democratic process. But just how much weight they carry in each national instance remains to be seen.