Finns Party Lawmakers' Independence Day Plans Are “Inappropriate”
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- 04 Dec 2024
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Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (NCP) has criticized the decision of Teemu Keskisarja and Sheikki Laakso, lawmakers from the Finns Party, to skip the traditional Independence Day reception in favor of attending the 612 protest march. Orpo described their plans as “inappropriate” and “wrong,” emphasizing the potential risks associated with the event.
In a statement to Helsingin Sanomat, Orpo revealed that he had received information regarding the protest march from the Finnish Security and Intelligence Service (Supo). He expressed concern over the involvement of far-right and openly racist groups in the march, stating, “Far right and openly racist groups have advertised the 612 march to their members. It’s therefore likely that the march will be joined also by participants from the far right.” He further noted, “I consider all extremist movements dangerous and harmful for the stability of Finland.”
The 612 protest march has been associated with various far-right and anti-immigrant organizations, including Sinimusta Liike, a political party known for its fascist and racist ideologies, as well as connections to the anti-immigrant street patrol Soldiers of Odin and the now-dissolved neo-Nazi group Nordic Resistance Movement. Santeri Iltanen, a communication expert at Supo, confirmed to Helsingin Sanomat that the march was initiated by far-right and anti-immigrant groups, and that participation from these factions is expected again this year.
While acknowledging that the prime minister does not dictate how adults spend their time in a free democracy, Orpo urged lawmakers to exercise discretion and avoid using the Independence Day celebrations for publicity. He highlighted the significance of the president inviting lawmakers to commemorate independence as a cherished tradition.
In response to the backlash, Laakso announced that he would cancel his participation in the march. Anders Adlercreutz, chairperson of the Swedish People’s Party, also condemned the involvement of ruling-party members in the 612 march, labeling it “completely unacceptable” and “inappropriate” due to its strong affiliations with the far right.
Riikka Purra, chairperson of the Finns Party, defended Keskisarja and Laakso, characterizing the protest march as a “nationalist and patriotic event.” She asserted that while the party does not condone far-right activities, it allows its members to participate in the march because it is “politically unaffiliated” and “open to everyone.” Purra encouraged participants to respect the event’s nature by refraining from bringing political symbols or slogans.
Speaker of Parliament Jussi Halla-aho (PS) echoed Purra’s sentiments, questioning the criticism directed at the lawmakers and suggesting that the connection between the march and the Nordic Resistance Movement is “old and thin.”
As the debate continues, the implications of the lawmakers' choices and the nature of the 612 protest march remain a focal point of discussion in Finnish politics, reflecting broader tensions surrounding nationalism, extremism, and the celebration of national identity.
