The Citizen's Party lists Finland's independence and neutrality, a sensible migration policy as well as a balanced development of the country as its top priorities.
First and foremost, however, the party plans to raise the question of Finland's membership in the EU and the Eurozone, as Väyrynen himself has been a consistent critic of the European Union and an ardent supporter of Finland's financial and military independence.
Earlier this year, Väyrynen argued that Finland had no time to waste and encouraged a prompt withdrawal from the monetary union, which he deemed largely detrimental for Finland's economy.
Last year, the petition demanding Finland's withdrawal from the Eurozone gathered over 50,000 signatures in record time. Väyrynen argued that Finland had suffered greatly from its membership in the Eurozone, which had resulted in sluggish growth with several consecutive years of recession.
Väyrynen, whose parliamentary career spans several decades, has been a steadfast opponent of the EU ever since Finland started negotiating its membership.
In January 2016, Väyrynen, a long-standing Center Party heavyweight, announced his plans leave all board positions in the Center Party. He stated that he was no longer able to affect the decision making process and criticized current Prime Minister Juha Sipilä and his cabinet, Finnish national broadcaster Yle reported.
At this stage, the management board of the nascent Citizens' Party encompasses three people: Väyrynen himself, his wife Vuokko and Master of Political Science Sakari Linden, who is also the executive director of the Association of Finnish Culture and Identity.
