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OCR: Finland's constitution combines parliamentary government with a strong presidency. The external territory of the Åland Islands has internal self- government. Main Political Issues EU membership In a national referendum held in October 1994, Finland voted to join the EU. Membership was a less contentious issue than in other Nordic countries and many Finns supported entry as a way of identifying with western Europe. However, the small but influential farming community was hostile to membership because it poses a threat to farm subsidies. Further opposition stemmed from fears that public spending cuts, in particular welfare cuts, would be required to meet the economic criteria for membership. Unemployment The victory of SDP candidate Martti Ahtisaari in the 1994 presidential election was a sign of discontent with the conservative KESK-KOK coalition led by Prime Minister Esko Aho. Its handling of the recession resulted in record unemployment levels and welfare cuts. It also strained the traditional consensus approach to politics in Finland. Elections due in 1995 are expected to return an SDP-led coalition. Profile Proportional representation has led to government by coalition, usually dominated by the SDP or KESK. The emphasis on consensus has favored stability, but also results in slow decision-making. The parties tend to agree on aims, but not the means of achieving them.