omistavalta

Omistavalta is a term that emerged in Finnish political discourse, particularly within the Green League. It is a neologism, a compound word formed from "omistaja" (owner) and "valta" (power). Therefore, omistavalta literally translates to "owner power" or "the power of ownership."

The concept of omistavalta is used to critique the concentration of economic and political influence in the hands of a small group of wealthy individuals and corporations. Proponents of the term argue that this ownership power can lead to decisions that prioritize private profit over public good, environmental sustainability, and social equality. It suggests a system where ownership dictates policy and shapes societal outcomes, rather than democratic processes or collective well-being.

The Green League has utilized the term to advocate for policies aimed at democratizing economic power and reducing the influence of concentrated ownership. This can include proposals such as strengthening worker cooperatives, promoting public ownership of essential services, implementing wealth taxes, and increasing transparency in corporate governance. The idea is to shift power away from a select few owners and towards a broader distribution of control and benefit.