The tabloid Ilta-Sanomat has published an interview with Finance Minister Matti Vanhanen (Cen), following Saturday's news that he would be stepping down and handing the reins to Centre Party leader and current Science Minister Annika Saarikko. Vanhanen, who began his political career as a member of Espoo city council over 40 years ago, issued warnings about the polarisation of politics today. "I am concerned about identity politics. Everyone is retreating deeper and deeper into their own corner and the ability to build a genuine majority with a common mission is becoming more difficult," he told Ilta-Sanomat. Vanhanen also urged reforms to curb household debt, telling IS that "indebtedness is a flashing red warning light for the macroeconomy."