Politics

 

MPs call for littering fines to be doubled

Four Members of Parliament have drawn up a bill proposing that fines for littering be doubled, as a deterrent measure. National Coalition Party MPs Saara-Sofia Sirén, Markku Eestilä, Sari Multala and Pauli Kiuru want to see the fines increased from €100…

Councilor to file police report after Finns Party pigs video

A local councilor in Helsinki says he’ll file a report to the police after a Finns Party politician in Central Ostrobothnia posted an inflammatory video on social media. Veteli councilor Jarno Vähäkainu posted a short video clip of two pigs, with…

Finnair cuts domestic flights as government guarantees regional connections

Finnair says it will continue some flight services through the winter to five regional airports, but then stop those connections at the end of March next year. The airports affected are Joensuu, Jyväskylä, Kajaani, Kemi and Kokkola. Finnair said reduced demand…

What you need to know: Finland’s 2021 budget plan

The government has formerly unveiled their 2021 budget proposals after two-and-a-half days of negotiations between ministers, and party leaders separately, in Helsinki. All the budget decisions are set against the backdrop of the coronavirus crisis which has impacted the economy…

Budget talks continue for second day, as 2021 deficit could top €7 billion

Government party leaders are meeting again in Helsinki for a second day of talks to set the 2021 budget. It’s supposed to be the last day of discussions, however, Prime Minister Sanna Marin (SDP) says it looks like talks will…

Entire Jyväskylä City Board resigns over criminal suspicion of one councilor

The entire Jyväskylä City Board has resigned after one of its members was detained by police on suspicion of attempted murder of a City Council member. The move is procedural, as a way to force Teemu Torssonen (Ind) off the…

2021 budget negotiations begin under coronavirus financial constraints

Government ministers have started the latest phase of their 2021 budget negotiations today, against the backdrop of the impact the coronavirus epidemic has had on Finland’s economy. Talks are taking place at House of the Estates in Helsinki, and arriving…

Finland to relax travel restrictions for Sweden, Norway, Germany

Ministers have agreed to relax travel restrictions for a number of European countries, after the second day of late night discussions to come up with a new hybrid border strategy. The move comes amid a rising number of coronavirus…

PM to work remotely as coronavirus precaution

Prime Minister Sanna Marin (SDP) will be working remotely from her official residence Kesäranta, after a possible exposure to coronavirus. In a press release her office describes it as a "precautionary measure" and says Marin will continue to work normally via…

Poll: Prime Minister’s coronavirus job satisfaction rate falling

A new poll carried out for Helsingin Sanomat shows a fall in the public’s satisfaction with the way Sanna Marin (SDP) is handling the coronavirus crisis. However the figures are still rather high. Back in May when a similar survey was carried…

Latest News

Report: American officials lied to Congress over Finnish journalist’s award

A new report by the US State Department’s Office of Inspector General found that American officials lied to Congress about the reasons for revoking…

Experts: Finland’s United Nations bid comes with diplomatic challenges

Finland’s bid to become a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council faces diplomatic challenges that mean the Nordic nation may have to…

HUS: Start wearing face masks in shops, banks, libraries, church and more

The Helsinki and Uusimaa Hospital District, Finland’s biggest public healthcare provider, says they now recommend that face masks, covering nose and mouth, should be…

Morning headlines: Friday 25th September 2020

Mask recommendations extend to almost all public spaces Public health authorities have issued new recommendations that means wearing a mask which covers the nose and…

Finland tightens borders, again, amid rising Covid-19 numbers in Europe

The Government has announced new restrictions on foreigners who want to come to Finland, which come into effect from Monday 28th September. The new rules…

Viking Line picks up the bill after ferry rescue company demands cargo collaterol

Viking Line will pick up the bill for maritime salvage being levied at truck owners by the company that towed the M/S Amorella into…

MPs call for littering fines to be doubled

Four Members of Parliament have drawn up a bill proposing that fines for littering be doubled, as a deterrent measure. National Coalition Party MPs Saara-Sofia Sirén,…

THL issues new face mask recommendations, as virus situation worsens

The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare THL has issued new recommendations on wearing face masks, as the coronavirus situation continues to deteriorate. Overnight there…