GPT-4 and the Finnish elections: Showcasing Finnish parties by creating imaginary candidates
How do ChatGPT and Midjourney perform in describing made-up politicians?
Finland elects a new parliament on April 2, 2023. Typically, there’s a paucity of English-language material on the elections and the parties. This is mostly produced by parties themselves, of varying quality, and occasionally by media. Might there be a more neutral way to illustrate how these parties differ?
I’ve been fascinated by the idea of illustrating differences between political parties by describing a typical imaginary party member (or candidate, or supporter). At times Finnish magazines do such stories, illustrating “typical voters” of the parliamentary parties. These play on stereotypes and are intended to entertain rather than inform.
Instead of magazines, I’ve turned to AI. Specifically ChatGPT and Midjourney. Not only do they provide a fair approximation of a party’s typical agenda, but they can also be used to provide imaginary details like their age, family size, location etc., which also seem convincing and “real” to someone with a fair amount of knowledge about Finnish politics, as well as a convincing picture of the said candidate.
For all candidates, I’ve used a simple prompt in ChatGPT, version GPT-4: “Describe a typical candidate of the X party. Include their name, age, domicile, profession, family relations and political agenda.” I’ve then generated candidate photos in Midjourney (v. 5) by simply entering the text as an /imagine prompt; even though the full prompt cannot be entered and it’s cut in the middle, this gets good results.
Let’s present our completely imaginary candidates (note that you can’t actually vote for any of them yet!). I’ve included the 8 parliamentary parties with more than one MP.
Social Democrats (Sosialidemokraatit, SDP)
Name: Anniina Korhonen
Age: 42
Domicile: Turku, Southwest Finland
Profession: High School History Teacher
Family Relations: Married to a fellow teacher, with two children aged 10 and 13
Anniina Korhonen is a dedicated and passionate Social Democratic candidate in the upcoming parliamentary elections in Finland. Born and raised in Turku, she has deep roots in her community and is well-respected as a high school history teacher. Anniina is married to her spouse, Sami, who is also a teacher, and together they have two children, Ella and Leo, aged 10 and 13.
Anniina's political agenda is centered around the following key points:
Education: As an educator herself, Anniina understands the importance of a strong educational system. She advocates for increased investment in public education, including smaller class sizes, updated facilities, and enhanced teacher training programs. Additionally, she supports the integration of digital learning tools and environmental education in the curriculum.
Social Equality: Anniina is committed to promoting social equality and inclusivity in Finland. She aims to address income inequality through progressive taxation and the expansion of social welfare programs. She also supports measures to ensure equal opportunities for women, immigrants, and LGBTQ+ individuals in the workplace and in society.
Healthcare: Anniina believes that access to quality healthcare is a basic human right. She supports the expansion of public healthcare services and the reduction of waiting times for medical treatments. Additionally, she advocates for increased mental health awareness and resources for early intervention and treatment.
Environmental Sustainability: As a mother and an environmental advocate, Anniina is dedicated to preserving Finland's natural resources for future generations. She supports the transition to renewable energy sources, the development of sustainable public transportation, and the protection of biodiversity through responsible land use and conservation efforts.
Employment and Economic Growth: Anniina is determined to create sustainable economic growth and job opportunities in Finland. She supports investments in research and development, small and medium-sized enterprises, and green technologies to boost the economy and create long-term employment opportunities.
Anniina Korhonen's down-to-earth nature, dedication to social justice, and extensive experience as an educator make her an ideal Social Democratic Party candidate in the upcoming parliamentary elections. She is determined to create a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable Finland for all its residents.
The Finns Party (Perussuomalaiset)
Name: Veikko Heikkinen
Age: 54
Domicile: Oulu, Northern Ostrobothnia
Profession: Small Business Owner (Hardware Store)
Family Relations: Married with three children aged 20, 24, and 27
Veikko Heikkinen is a devoted and charismatic Finns Party candidate in the upcoming parliamentary elections in Finland. Hailing from the northern city of Oulu, he is a proud small business owner who operates a successful hardware store. Veikko is married to his spouse, Päivi, and together they have three children: Maija, Juho, and Eero, aged 20, 24, and 27, respectively.
Veikko's political agenda is centered around the following key points:
Immigration Control: A staunch advocate for stronger immigration policies, Veikko believes that stricter control measures are needed to protect Finland's cultural identity and social welfare system. He proposes to reduce the number of accepted asylum seekers and implement more rigorous vetting processes for immigrants.
Law and Order: Veikko is committed to maintaining law and order in Finland. He supports increased funding for the police force and harsher penalties for criminals, especially those involved in drug trafficking, organized crime, and violent offenses. He also advocates for improved rehabilitation programs to reduce recidivism rates.
Economic Growth and Self-Sufficiency: As a small business owner, Veikko understands the importance of a thriving economy. He supports tax reductions for businesses and individuals to encourage investment and job creation. Additionally, he advocates for policies that promote Finland's self-sufficiency in energy, food, and natural resources.
National Defense: Veikko believes that a strong national defense is essential for Finland's security and sovereignty. He supports increased funding for the Finnish Defense Forces, the modernization of military equipment, and compulsory military service for all citizens.
Education and Finnish Values: Veikko is passionate about preserving Finnish values and traditions. He proposes to prioritize the teaching of Finnish history, culture, and language in the education system. He also supports the introduction of civic education to foster patriotism and a sense of national unity among young Finns.
Veikko Heikkinen's strong convictions, entrepreneurial spirit, and deep love for his country make him an appealing Finns Party candidate in the upcoming parliamentary elections. He is determined to promote a secure, prosperous, and culturally-rich Finland for its citizens.
National Coalition (Kokoomus)
Name: Sofia Laaksonen
Age: 37
Domicile: Espoo, Uusimaa
Profession: Tech Entrepreneur
Family Relations: Single mother with a 7-year-old daughter
Sofia Laaksonen is an ambitious and innovative National Coalition Party candidate in the upcoming parliamentary elections in Finland. A tech entrepreneur from Espoo, she has successfully built and sold several startups in the fields of artificial intelligence and data analytics. As a single mother, Sofia is raising her 7-year-old daughter, Aino, with the help of her supportive parents.
Sofia's political agenda is centered around the following key points:
Economic Growth and Innovation: As an entrepreneur, Sofia understands the importance of a competitive economy. She supports policies that foster innovation, attract international investments, and create jobs. She also advocates for lower corporate taxes and streamlined regulations to promote business growth and global competitiveness.
Digitalization and Technological Advancement: Sofia believes that Finland must embrace digitalization to remain at the forefront of global technological developments. She supports increased investments in research and development, especially in fields like AI, clean energy, and biotechnology. Furthermore, she advocates for the integration of digital infrastructure in public services, such as healthcare and education.
Education and Skill Development: Sofia recognizes the need for a highly skilled workforce to drive Finland's economic growth. She supports the modernization of the education system, with a focus on STEM subjects, entrepreneurship, and vocational training. Additionally, she promotes lifelong learning initiatives to help citizens adapt to the changing job market.
Environmental Sustainability: As a mother and responsible entrepreneur, Sofia is committed to addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development. She supports market-based solutions, such as carbon pricing and green investments, to encourage the adoption of clean technologies and practices in the private sector.
Social Inclusivity and Gender Equality: Sofia is a strong advocate for social inclusivity and gender equality in Finland. She aims to address the gender pay gap and supports policies that promote equal opportunities for women, such as affordable childcare and parental leave. She also believes in the importance of integrating immigrants into Finnish society through language courses and job placement programs.
Sofia Laaksonen's entrepreneurial spirit, tech-savvy background, and commitment to social progress make her an inspiring National Coalition Party candidate in the upcoming parliamentary elections. She envisions a prosperous, inclusive, and innovative Finland that leads the way in the global digital age.
Centre Party (Keskusta)
Name: Matti Rantanen
Age: 48
Domicile: Kuopio, Northern Savonia
Profession: Forestry Consultant
Family Relations: Married with two children aged 15 and 18
Matti Rantanen is a dedicated and pragmatic Centre Party candidate in the upcoming parliamentary elections in Finland. As a forestry consultant from Kuopio, he has extensive experience working with local farmers and landowners to manage and protect their natural resources. Matti is married to his spouse, Liisa, and together they have two children: Hanna and Joonas, aged 15 and 18, respectively.
Matti's political agenda is centered around the following key points:
Rural Development and Agriculture: Matti is committed to supporting the rural communities and agricultural sector in Finland. He advocates for financial assistance and educational programs to help farmers adopt sustainable practices and diversify their income sources. Additionally, he supports infrastructure development and improved access to essential services in rural areas.
Environmental Protection and Sustainable Forestry: With his background in forestry, Matti understands the importance of protecting Finland's forests and natural resources. He supports policies that promote sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, and the responsible use of natural resources for economic growth and renewable energy production.
Economic Stability and Decentralization: Matti believes that a strong, stable economy benefits all Finns. He supports balanced budgets, efficient public spending, and policies that promote entrepreneurship and job creation in various regions of the country. He also advocates for the decentralization of power and resources to give local governments more autonomy in decision-making.
Education and Youth Opportunities: Matti is passionate about providing young Finns with the tools they need to succeed. He supports investments in education, vocational training, and apprenticeship programs to help youth develop valuable skills and find rewarding careers. He also encourages initiatives that promote entrepreneurship and innovation among the younger generation.
Social Welfare and Healthcare: Matti is dedicated to ensuring that all Finns have access to essential services and support. He supports the strengthening of social welfare programs, including unemployment benefits, pensions, and housing assistance. He also advocates for improving the accessibility and quality of healthcare services, particularly in rural areas.
Matti Rantanen's practical approach, extensive experience in the forestry sector, and commitment to rural development make him an ideal Centre Party candidate in the upcoming parliamentary elections. He envisions a Finland that embraces sustainable growth, regional autonomy, and equal opportunities for all citizens, regardless of their background or location.
Greens (Vihreät)
Name: Timo Järvinen
Age: 45
Domicile: Helsinki, Uusimaa
Profession: Environmental Scientist
Family Relations: Divorced with one child aged 12
Timo Järvinen is an environmentally-conscious and forward-thinking Greens of Finland candidate in the upcoming parliamentary elections. As an environmental scientist from Helsinki, he has devoted his career to researching climate change and promoting sustainable practices. Timo is divorced and shares custody of his 12-year-old child, Ilari, with his ex-spouse, Katariina.
Timo's political agenda is centered around the following key points:
Climate Action and Environmental Protection: Timo is committed to addressing climate change and preserving Finland's unique ecosystems. He supports ambitious emissions reduction targets, increased investments in renewable energy, and the development of sustainable transportation solutions. Furthermore, he advocates for stronger protections for Finland's forests, lakes, and endangered species.
Circular Economy and Sustainable Growth: As an environmental scientist, Timo recognizes the importance of transitioning to a circular economy. He supports policies that promote sustainable production and consumption, waste reduction, and the development of innovative green technologies. Additionally, he aims to foster economic growth that benefits both the environment and society.
Social Equality and Inclusivity: Timo is dedicated to promoting social equality and inclusivity in Finland. He supports progressive taxation, affordable housing initiatives, and equal opportunities for women, immigrants, and LGBTQ+ individuals. He also advocates for stronger anti-discrimination laws and policies that address social disparities in areas such as education, healthcare, and employment.
Education and Environmental Awareness: Timo believes that education is essential in fostering an environmentally-aware society. He supports the integration of environmental education in the curriculum at all levels, from early childhood to higher education. He also promotes investments in research and development related to environmental sciences and green technologies.
Global Cooperation and Human Rights: Timo is a firm believer in the importance of international cooperation and respect for human rights. He supports Finland's active role in global climate agreements and humanitarian efforts. Additionally, he advocates for the fair treatment of refugees and asylum seekers, as well as the promotion of peace and diplomacy.
Timo Järvinen's extensive experience as an environmental scientist, dedication to sustainability, and commitment to social equality make him a promising Greens of Finland candidate in the upcoming parliamentary elections. He envisions a Finland that leads the way in environmental protection, social progress, and global cooperation for a more sustainable and just world.
Left Alliance (Vasemmistoliitto)
Name: Elina Virtanen
Age: 34
Domicile: Tampere, Pirkanmaa
Profession: Social Worker
Family Relations: Living with her long-term partner, with one child aged 6
Elina Virtanen is a compassionate and energetic Left Alliance candidate in the upcoming parliamentary elections in Finland. As a social worker from Tampere, she has firsthand experience addressing the needs of vulnerable citizens and advocating for social justice. Elina lives with her long-term partner, Teemu, and together they have a 6-year-old child, Akseli.
Elina's political agenda is centered around the following key points:
Social Equality and Welfare: Elina is dedicated to promoting social equality and reducing income disparities in Finland. She supports progressive taxation, a universal basic income, and robust social welfare programs to provide a safety net for all citizens, including those who are unemployed, disabled, or otherwise vulnerable.
Workers' Rights and Fair Labor Practices: As a social worker, Elina understands the importance of fair labor practices and workers' rights. She advocates for a higher minimum wage, stronger collective bargaining rights, and improved working conditions for all employees, regardless of their profession or industry.
Environmental Justice and Sustainability: Elina is committed to addressing climate change and promoting environmental justice. She supports ambitious emissions reduction targets, a transition to renewable energy sources, and investments in sustainable infrastructure. Additionally, she aims to ensure that environmental policies benefit all citizens, including those in low-income and marginalized communities.
Accessible and Affordable Healthcare: Elina believes that quality healthcare should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their income or location. She supports increased funding for public healthcare services and the expansion of mental health care resources. She also advocates for the implementation of preventive healthcare measures, such as public health campaigns and lifestyle education programs.
Education and Lifelong Learning: Elina is passionate about providing all Finns with the opportunity to succeed through education. She supports increased investments in public education, from early childhood to higher education, and the promotion of lifelong learning initiatives. She also advocates for policies that reduce educational disparities and provide equal opportunities for all students, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status.
Elina Virtanen's experience as a social worker, commitment to social justice, and dedication to environmental sustainability make her a compelling Left Alliance candidate in the upcoming parliamentary elections. She envisions a Finland that prioritizes the well-being of all its citizens, with a strong focus on social equality, workers' rights, and environmental stewardship.
Swedish People’s Party (Ruotsalainen kansanpuolue)
Name: Anna Lindström
Age: 42
Domicile: Vaasa, Ostrobothnia
Profession: Architect
Family Relations: Married with three children aged 8, 11, and 14
Anna Lindström is a knowledgeable and community-oriented Swedish People's Party of Finland candidate in the upcoming parliamentary elections. As a successful architect from Vaasa, she has experience working on both urban planning and sustainable housing projects. Anna is married to her spouse, Henrik, and together they have three children: Linnea, Emil, and Oskar, aged 8, 11, and 14, respectively.
Anna's political agenda is centered around the following key points:
Swedish-Language Rights and Cultural Preservation: As a member of the Swedish-speaking minority in Finland, Anna is committed to preserving and promoting the rights of Swedish speakers. She supports the provision of Swedish-language education, services, and media, as well as cultural initiatives that celebrate the heritage and contributions of the Swedish-speaking community.
Sustainable Development and Environmental Protection: With her background in architecture, Anna understands the importance of sustainable development in urban and rural areas. She advocates for policies that promote energy-efficient construction, public transportation, and the preservation of green spaces. Additionally, she supports investments in renewable energy and environmentally-friendly technologies.
Inclusivity and Social Equality: Anna is dedicated to promoting inclusivity and social equality in Finland. She supports anti-discrimination laws, gender equality initiatives, and policies that address social disparities in areas such as education, healthcare, and employment. She also believes in fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for immigrants and refugees.
Education and Youth Opportunities: Anna is passionate about providing young Finns with the tools they need to succeed. She supports increased investments in education and the promotion of bilingual and multicultural learning environments. Additionally, she advocates for initiatives that help youth develop valuable skills and find rewarding careers, such as vocational training and entrepreneurship programs.
Economic Growth and Innovation: Anna believes that a strong economy benefits all citizens. She supports policies that encourage entrepreneurship, job creation, and innovation, particularly in fields related to sustainable development and green technologies. She also advocates for the efficient use of public funds and the reduction of unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.
Anna Lindström's professional experience, commitment to the Swedish-speaking community, and dedication to sustainability make her an ideal Swedish People's Party of Finland candidate in the upcoming parliamentary elections. She envisions a Finland that values and supports its diverse communities, fosters social equality, and leads the way in sustainable development and environmental protection.
Christian Democrats (Kristillisdemokraatit)
Name: Laura Koskinen
Age: 51
Domicile: Jyväskylä, Central Finland
Profession: Primary School Teacher
Family Relations: Married with four children aged 16, 19, 22, and 24
Laura Koskinen is a dedicated and compassionate Christian Democrats of Finland candidate in the upcoming parliamentary elections. As a primary school teacher from Jyväskylä, she has spent over two decades nurturing and educating young minds. Laura is married to her spouse, Markus, and together they have four children: Emma, Elias, Sofia, and Samuel, aged 16, 19, 22, and 24, respectively.
Laura's political agenda is centered around the following key points:
Family Values and Support: Laura is committed to promoting family values and strengthening the support available to families in Finland. She supports policies that encourage a healthy work-life balance, such as flexible working hours, affordable childcare, and generous parental leave. She also advocates for tax benefits and financial assistance for families with children.
Education and Moral Values: As a teacher, Laura believes in the importance of a well-rounded education that includes teaching moral values and ethics. She supports the integration of Christian values into the curriculum and the provision of faith-based educational options. Additionally, she promotes initiatives that encourage character development and foster a sense of responsibility and empathy in young people.
Social Welfare and Healthcare: Laura is dedicated to ensuring that all Finns have access to essential services and support. She supports the strengthening of social welfare programs, including unemployment benefits, pensions, and housing assistance. She also advocates for improving the accessibility and quality of healthcare services, with a particular focus on mental health and elderly care.
Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability: Laura recognizes the importance of environmental stewardship and sustainable development. She supports policies that promote responsible use of natural resources, investments in renewable energy, and the adoption of environmentally friendly practices. She also believes in the importance of preserving Finland's natural beauty and cultural heritage for future generations.
Human Dignity and Social Inclusivity: Laura is a strong advocate for human dignity and social inclusivity. She supports anti-discrimination laws and policies that promote equal opportunities for all citizens, regardless of their gender, ethnicity, religion, or social background. She also believes in the importance of integrating immigrants into Finnish society through language courses and job placement programs.
Laura Koskinen's background as an educator, commitment to family values, and dedication to social welfare make her a well-rounded Christian Democrats of Finland candidate in the upcoming parliamentary elections. She envisions a Finland that cherishes its traditions and moral values, while actively working to ensure the well-being of all its citizens and the environment.
Conclusion
As stated previously, these AI-generated candidates “feel real”, in the sense that they could actually exist. ChatGPT also seems pretty fair-minded here: all are described with positive terms, including the conservative and nationalist ones.
Incongruities exist. Someone on the left might consider it unlikely that, say, a Centre Party candidate would stand for “protecting Finnish forests”, or that a Christian Democratic candidate would “promote equal opportunities for all citizens regardless of their (…) religion”, and a right-winger might argue that Social Democrats do not promote “sustainable economic growth and job opportunities”. However, many in these parties *do* see the policies of these parties these way and would agree that that is indeed a fair description of their party’s policies.
A simplistic exercise like this cannot demonstrate the diversity *within* parties: Sofia, the National Coalition candidate, clearly represents the liberal wing within her party, and more conservative candidates exist. Some of my previous iterations (in Finnish) of this exercise created just such candidates. Furthermore, when I tried to create a candidate for Movement Now, this iteration’s version was basically just a carbon copy of National Coalition’s candidate, expect gender-swapped. Of course, considering that Movement Now is basically just a personalist splinter of NC based on leadership squabbles, one *could* consider that a feature, not a bug…
In the end, what amazes me the most are not the words but the images. Midjourney is expectionally good at drawing recognizable Finnish people, sharing the sort of facial features I encounter daily on the street or in public transportation. I guess its training set includes a plenty of previous electoral candidates from all manner of elections.