| Description | Center-right, agrarian-interests party founded in 1906 as the Agrarian Union (Maalaisliitto, ML) and renamed in 1988 the Center Party of Finland [Suomen Keskusta (keskusta or Kesk.)], in line with the renaming trend of 'agrarian' parties to 'center' that spread through Europe beginning in the 50s. Party was founded by Santeri Alkio who is also the party's 'idealogue.' Alkio conceived a theory called 'embryonism,' which essentially sees a nation progress only when the rural poor get richer. Party has been in almost every government established since 1917, and claims twelve prime ministers. Party saw its largest presence in Parliament with 55 MPs after the economic recession of 1991, falling to 35 after elections held in 2011. Party has been chaired by Finland's Minister of Finance (since May 27, 2021) and Southwest Finland MP Annika Saarikko since September 5, 2020 [Suomen Keskusta; Center in Finland]. |
