Helsingin Sanomat takes a close look at Spain, writing that the Spanish economy is seeing economic growth that "Finland can only dream of".

HS is not the only outlet to notice Spain's economic resurrection. The Economist has reported that the Spanish economy performed best overall among the world's wealthiest countries in 2024, while the Financial Times labelled Spain "Europe's standout economy".

So what is the secret of this Spanish success?

Immigration, according to Spain's socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.

HS writes that while countries across the world — including Finland — are tightening immigration laws, Spain is opening its doors wide.

For example, in January, PM Sánchez granted amnesty to hundreds of thousands of undocumented migrants, the vast majority of whom are of working age.

The overall effects of Spain's liberal immigration policies on the economy are clear to see, HS adds. Spain's grim unemployment rate — a decades-long headache for successive governments — is finally recovering, even pushing Finland into the unwanted position of the EU's worst.

In addition, Spain's GDP has grown at a rate of nearly three percent annually. Finland's, by comparison, currently hovers around zero.

In an op-ed article for the New York Times in February, Sánchez wrote that "few Western countries are experiencing population growth" and will face "a sharp demographic decline that will prevent them from keeping their economies and public services afloat" unless they change their policies on immigration.

Food for thought for Finnish policymakers, perhaps, although HS also notes the rising popularity of Spain's right-wing Vox party ahead of parliamentary elections in 2027 — which could lead to a reversal of attitudes and policies.

Finland's fine dining options

Speaking of food, the publication of the list of Finland's top 50 restaurants on Wednesday by online media outlet Viisi Tähteä (roughly translated as Five Stars) receives a lot of media attention — both nationally and locally.

While the Palace Restaurant in central Helsinki has once again been chosen as the country's best by the panel of about 500 culinary experts, regional newspapers are keen to point out that there are plenty of fine dining options outside the capital region too.

Of the 50 restaurants on the list, 35 are in Helsinki with the remaining 15 scattered around the country, from Rantasalmi in the east to Rovaniemi in the north. Last year, just 13 non-Helsinki restaurants were listed.

Turku has five entries on the list of 50, as Turun Sanomat eagerly writes, with five more in the top 100. This level of competition is excellent news for the customer, Viisi Tähteä's editor-in-chief Heikki Kähkönen tells the paper.

Tampere-based Aamulehti meanwhile notes that the city now has three restaurants on the top-50 list and seven more in the top 100, while Savon Sanomat is proud to announce that the region has retained its one place on the rankings, via Solitary in small-town Rantasalmi.

Stormy winds and melting snow

Tabloid Iltalehti meanwhile warns that the wind and rain forecast for Finland over the coming days is gathering pace, and may lead to a storm on Friday.

The gusts will be strongest along coastal regions and in the southwest, according to Foreca meteorologist Sara Salonen, but the winds are expected to move across the country.

"Strong gusts may cause small-scale damage, especially near the west coast. Brief power outages and wind damage are possible," Salonen said.

She also noted that milder spring temperatures, especially overnight, will melt the last of the remaining snow in many parts of the country.

"In the southwest and in places in the west, it is already quite snow-free. Towards the end of the week, the snow will effectively melt, especially in the south and west, as there will be plus degrees night and day," Salonen added.

The outlook for next week suggests variable conditions, with both dry weather and rain showers in the forecast.