New leadership under pressure: racism scandal surrounding the Finnish government

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The opposition around the social democrats asked the speaker of parliament, Jussi Halla-aho, on Friday to bring parliament out of the summer recess. The reason for this is a controversy surrounding Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Riikka Purra. The 46-year-old has been at the head of the right-wing populist party The Finns since 2021, which Halla-aho led before her.

Purra wrote a series of racist and violent comments on a blog in 2008. She had to apologize publicly this week. She confirmed that she did not accept any form of violence, racism or discrimination.

The opposition parties stated in their letter that the Chamber of Deputies should meet in Helsinki to discuss the positions of cabinet members and the functioning of the conservative Petteri Orpo government. Ministers’ positions have already damaged Finland’s international reputation.

If Halla-aho convenes parliament, it could lead to a confidence vote against Purra with an uncertain outcome. The Swedish People’s Party (SFP), which is in the governing coalition but highly critical of the views of the right, could play a decisive role in this. The SFP group wanted to meet on Friday evening to discuss the scandal.

Orpo’s government has only been in office since June 20. After only ten days she had to deal with the resignation of the right-wing populist Minister of Economic Affairs Vilhelm Junnila because of his contacts in the right-wing extremist scene and jokes about Nazi symbols.

(SDA)

Source: Blick