In 2014, the Economic Policy Council, which was made up of independent and academic researchers, was founded in Finland to assess the objectives and instruments of economic policy. In its February report the Council recommended avoiding fiscal tightening in 2015 and 2016.

‘The report cleared the tables. If the government decides to make the Economic Policy Council, then they should listen to it. Previously they were responsible for the Economic Council, whose members resigned because their recommendations to the government fell on deaf ears.’

Education and research are also subject to significant cuts during this government term. Salmén is not satisfied with the current state of academic freedom.

‘In addition to the economic shutdown, science, education and research are being instrumentalised. These should have a direct impact on production and the economy. This line will not be successful. Academic research and education cannot be churned out like sausage.’

According to Salmén, the essence of knowledge is self-regulating. Its goal cannot be chosen from the outside.

‘Scientists and students must be granted a certain amount of freedom. In that way the best results can be gained.’

In his own words, Salmén has an intimate relationship with the academic world. He is seeing a professor at the Åbo Akademi University and has worked with several people at universities.

‘The professor has office assistants who are trying to get funding from here and there. There is no time for research, it’s all taken out of nights and holidays.’