Politics

 

“See you in court!” Finns Party Youth loses final finance appeal over racist posts

The Finns Party Youth has lost a final ruling about paying back tens of thousands of government money – but the group tells the Ministry of Education and Culture "see you in court!" Back in June the ministry decided to…

Cannabis decriminalisation efforts can now move to parliament

A grassroots effort to decriminalise cannabis in Finland has taken a step forward this week, with a citizen’s initiative exceeding the required 50,000 signatures to submit it to parliament. Rather than legalise cannabis, the initiative proposes decriminalisation which would discharge…

Greens pull funding for Vihreä Lanka party magazine

The Green League political party has decided to withdraw funding for its magazine Vihreä Lanka – Green Yarn – at the end of the year, effectively shutting down the 36-year old publication. In a statement, the Greens note that they…

Biography sheds light on political intrigue and health crisis for Antti Rinne

A new biography of Prime Minister Antti Rinne (SDP) hit the shelves on Thursday, with the PM showing up at Helsinki Book Fair to promote the launch. The 350-page book reveals new information about Rinne’s political and personal life, and although…

Antti Rinne on Brexit: ‘maybe all countries support an extension’

Finnish Prime Minister Antti Rinne (SDP) says certainly a majority of EU countries and "maybe all" support the idea of giving Britain another extension to its Brexit date. Rinne made the comments at a press conference in Helsinki on Thursday lunchtime with…

Opposition accuses minister of “flirting with anarchy” over police probe

Opposition MP Tom Packalén (Finns) has written an open letter to Interior Minister Maria Ohisalo (Green) accusing her of "flirting with anarchy" after a weekend protest in Helsinki. The minister has asked police for an explanation of the circumstances of why they used…

Disinformation discussion ‘beyond the grasp’ of Finns Party politicians

Finns Party politicians at the European Parliament have voted repeatedly this month to block efforts to fight disinformation and interference by foreign governments in elections in European Union countries. The move effectively makes Laura Huhtasaari and Teuvo Hakkarainen ‘useful idiots’ for Vladimir…

PM Rinne statement: give Britain more time for Brexit

Finland’s Prime Minister Antti Rinne (SDP) says he thinks the UK government should be allowed to have more time to figure out its Brexit strategy. Rinne made the comments in a statement on Sunday afternoon, the day after Britain’s Parliament rejected Prime…

PM: Brexit ball is now in the hands of British Parliament

Prime Minister Antti Rinne (SDP) says "the ball is now in the hands of the British Parliament" after the UK and EU strike a deal a Brexit deal. The two sides agreed on changes to the withdrawal agreement during the first day…

Poll: Pekka Haavisto most popular choice for next president

Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto (Green) is the most popular choice to be Finland’s next president if a vote was taken today. In a new poll for Alma Media, 1500 Finns of voting age were asked who their top choice would be. Haavisto…

Latest News

PM announces new voluntary face mask policy, backtracks on border testing and self-isolation

Prime Minister Sanna Marin (SDP) says the government supports a national recommendation to use face masks on public transport and other situations where it’s not…

Morning headlines: Thursday 13th August 2020

Face mask decision expected today The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare THL is expected to issue new guidelines on Thursday afternoon with strong recommendations…

Jan Vapaavuori: ‘We’re working to fix covid testing problems’

The Mayor of Helsinki says his administration is working with Helsinki and Uusimaa Hospital District HUS to fix some major problems with coronavirus testing…

Morning headlines: Wednesday 12th August 2020

Li Andersson: ‘Coronavirus back-to-school discussion has moved on since spring’ Finnish students are heading back to school on Wednesday, after an unprecedented year that saw…

Li Andersson interview: ‘Coronavirus back-to-school discussion has moved on since spring’

Finnish students are heading back to school on Wednesday, after an unprecedented year that saw classes suspended during the worst of the coronavirus epidemic…

Turku knife attack hero in court over compensation fraud

A British man hailed as a hero during the Turku terror attack was in court Tuesday facing charges of fraud. Hassan Zubier, who lives in…

Finland’s top diplomat in Beirut: ‘Lebanese people seem to be tired of rising from the ashes’

The Muslim call to prayer echoed from mosques across Lebanon on Tuesday evening, as church bells tolled at exactly 18:09, a week after a…

Minister of Justice caught out by announcement of strict quarantine rules

Minister of Justice Anna-Maja Henriksson (RKP) was apparently caught out by a Monday night announcement from Minister of Family and Basic Services Krista Kiuru (SDP) that…