Finland after the boom: 'Not as bad as Greece, yet, but for how long'

As general election looms and recession enters fourth year, once boom city of Oulu has little faith in politicians after collapse of big timber and Nokia

A sudden flurry of spring snow has dusted the steps of an evangelical church in central Oulu, northern Finland, where about 100 people are crowded together for a Friday sermon.

But perhaps the true object of their devotion is inside black binliners by the door. Once a week, food parcels and a free meal attract a mix of unemployed men, single mothers and pensioners to the church.

It will take a while for Oulu to bounce back. But there is a feeling that we have to do it, there is no other way.

A change of government won't make any difference - new faces, same shit