Category: Politics
Finland Repatriates Adults From Al Hol Detention Camp
Finland has repatriated six Finnish children and two adult mothers from north-east Syria on Sunday. It is the first time Finland has repatriated adults from the Al Hol detention camp in Syria where women and children related to ISIS militants are being held.
VIDEO: President Niinistö Gives an Encouraging Independence Day Greeting to Expatriate Finns
“Despite the fact that physical distances may seem long, I believe that emotional ties to Finland remain strong.”
GALLERY: Finland Turns 103
Finland’s Independence Day began in exceptional circumstances. In the evening, citizens are urged to join the celebration remotely.
Prime Minister Marin Listed Among 100 Most Influential Women in the World
Prime Minister Sanna Marin joins the BBC 100 Women list with the likes of Jane Fonda.
Foreign Minister Haavisto and President Niinistö to Get a Visitor from Saudi Arabia
Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir will visit Finland on November 9-10.
Joe Biden Has Been Elected the President of the United States; Biden Has Visited Finland, and the Relations Seem Warm
In addition to having visited Finland, Biden took a stand on the safety of Finland at the beginning of his campaign.
Ministry: All UK Citizens Living in Finland Must Apply for a Right of Residence Under the Withdrawal Agreement
The European Commission has pointed out that the EU-UK withdrawal agreement has been partially misinterpreted in Finland.
Government’s Supplementary Budget Aims to Further Help Everybody Through the Pandemic
The supplementary budget is aimed to build a bridge to help businesses, municipalities and citizens over the crisis.
Government Adopts Resolution on Local and Regional Recommendations to Prevent the Spread of Coronavirus
In its resolution adopted on October 23, the government outlines national and regional recommendations aiming to support regional measures to curb the spread of the pandemic and help get it under control.

Prime Minister Marin’s Second Covid-19 Test Comes Back Negative; Ends Quarantine Immediately
According to the prime ministers office, her self-isolation period will end immediately.
Prime Minister Marin’s First Coronavirus Test Comes Back Negative
Prime Minister Marin will continue to self-isolate and will be tested again on Monday.
Government Divides New Corona Rules Into Three Phases: Base, Acceleration and Spreading
The government has decided on new regional recommendations based on three categories.
Prime Minister Marin Leaves EU Council Meeting in Brussels Due to a Possible Exposure to Covid-19
Prime Minister Marin left the European Council meeting in Brussels early because she may have been exposed to the coronavirus in Finland.
Finns Party Member Laura Huhtasaari Nominates President Trump for 2021 Nobel Peace Prize
According to Laura Huhtasaari, who is a member of the European Parliament, U.S. President Donald Trump should receive the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in peacemaking.
US-Russian Talks on Strategic Stability and Nuclear Arms Control in Helsinki on Monday
According to the Finnish president’s office, Finland is always ready to offer its good offices for promoting peace and security.
Study Shows Over 70% of Finnish Higher Education Students Hopeful About Their Future
Eurostudent VII study indicates that 90% of higher education degree holders have found a job within a year after graduation. The study also found that labor- and education-related immigration needs to increase significantly in Finland.
The Traditional Presidential Independence Day Reception Has Been Canceled; Finns Invited to Celebrate Remotely
Instead of the traditional presidential reception attended by invited guests at the Presidential Palace on December 6, President Sauli Niinistö and Mrs. Jenni Haukio will invite all Finns to celebrate Independence Day remotely.
Restrictions on Entry Into Finland to be Tightened Due to the Accelerating Pandemic
The government has adopted a decision on restrictions on entry into the country, which will enter into force on Monday.

President Niinistö Addresses Strategy to Overcome the Pandemic, Global Warming and Gender Equality
President Sauli Niinistö delivered Finland’s national statement at the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday evening.
President Niinistö in the UN’s 75th Anniversary Speech: We Need UN More Than Ever
Read and watch the Finnish president’s remarks in full.
In Government’s Budget for 2021 People Come First; A Road Map to the Decisions
We go through the government’s plan for 2021 budget in detail.
Prime Minister Marin Tests Negative for the Coronavirus
Prime Minister will return to her duties normally.
Prime Minister Marin To Work Remotely After Receiving Alert From Koronavilkku App
Prime Minister Sanna Marin will be tested for the coronavirus.
Read the Full Transcript of President Niinistö’s Speech at the Ambassadors’ Conference
In his speech aimed at the heads of mission, President Sauli Niinistö spoke about the prevailing pandemic, EU and world politics.
President Niinistö Speaks with German Chancellor Merkel and Russian President Putin
President Sauli Niinistö had a telephone discussion with German Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel, then with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Government Aims to Get People Tested for Coronavirus Within 24 Hours
The governent revealed the updated coronavirus testing strategy on Wednesday evening.
Prime Minister Marin Tests Negative for the Coronavirus; Respiratory Symptoms Continue
“I feel good and the symptoms are mild.”

Travel Restrictions Reinstated on Iceland, Greece, Germany, Norway and Others
The Finnish government has decided to reintroduce travel restrictions on many countries.
Prime Minister Marin Has Mild Respiratory Symptoms; Will Take a Corona Test
“I will take a test for the coronavirus and transfer to remote working,” Prime Minister Sanna Marin said on Twitter on Tuesday morning.
THL and Government Recommend Wearing Face Masks in Public Transport
The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) recommends wearing a face mask in public transport, on the way to a coronavirus test and when one is waiting for the test result while moving outside the home.
Annika Saarikko Appointed as Minister of Science and Culture
On Thursday, President Sauli Niinistö appointed member of Parliament Annika Saarikko as a member of the government and minister of science and culture.
Prime Minister Sanna Marin Gets Married
Prime Minister Sanna Marin and her partner, Markus Räikkönen, got married on Saturday, August 1.
Foreign Minister Haavisto Visits Iraq to Express Support for Its Stabilization Efforts
The central purpose of the visit was to establish relations with Iraq’s new government, to express support for Iraq’s stabilization efforts and to exchange views on topical bilateral and regional questions.
Finland to Reinstate Travel Restrictions on Austria, Switzerland and Slovenia
The new restrictions will come into effect on Monday, July 27.
Prime Minister Marin to Begin Her Vacation After a ‘Hard Spring’
Prime Minister Sanna Marin (the SDP) is going to begin her vacation on Thursday.
Finland Reaches Many Objectives in EU’s Coronavirus Relief Deal
In negotiations on the European Union’s massive spending package to fight the downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Finland reached many of its objectives.

Read the Full Transcript of Prime Minister Marin’s Keynote Speech on Sustainable Development
Here is what Prime Minister Sanna Marin had to say in her keynote address at HLPF.
Prime Minister Marin to Speak at High-Level Meeting on Sustainable Development Tuesday
Prime Minister Sanna Marin (the SDP) is one of the speakers at the opening session of the United Nations annual High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) on Tuesday.
Finland to Open Borders For Many Countries on July 13
Finland lifts border restrictions for Germany, China, Japan and others, beginning on July 13.
President Niinistö Doesn’t Believe That Closing Border to Sweden Hurts Long-Term Relations
President Sauli Niinistö talked about the idea behind closing the Finnish-Swedish border in an interview with Swedish news agency TT.
PM Marin Talks With Her Latvian Counterpart, Karins, About EU and Coronavirus
On Friday, Prime Minister Sanna Marin talked with Latvian Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins about topics related to the European Union and the coronavirus pandemic.
Marin Talks With Merkel About Rural Funding and Climate Action in EU Budget
Prime Minister Sanna Marin spoke with German Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel on the phone about the EU’s long-term budget for 2021-2027.
Prime Minister Marin and Argentine President Fernandez Discuss Business
Prime Minister Sanna Marin and Argentine President Alberto Fernández discussed deepening cooperation between their countries.
Finland to Receive 25 Minors From Greek Refugee Camps in July
In addition to Greece, Finland will be receiving relocated asylum seekers from Cyprus and Malta.
Finland Continues Easing Coronavirus Restrictions: More Travel, More Contact
Finland opens borders for more countries. Recommendations for remote work to be removed as well as the age restriction to avoid physical contact.

The Government Adopts Plan to Increase Wellbeing of People
On Wednesday, the government adopted a resolution on promoting wellbeing, health and safety.
Indoor Events of Over 500 Allowed July 1
All limits related to restaurants are going to be lifted on July 13, if allowed by the pandemic.
Finland’s Emergency Powers Act Has Been Revoked
The Emergency Powers Act was in effect for three months to tackle the spreading of the coronavirus.
Finland to Ease Travel Restrictions for Six Countries; No Quarantine Necessary
On Thursday, the government decided to lift some of the restrictions related to travel and public gatherings.
Here’s What You Should Know About the New Finance Minister Matti Vanhanen
The new finance minister has been involved in Finnish politics for four decades.
Matti Vanhanen to Replace Kulmuni as Finance Minister
Matti Vanhanen is currently the speaker of the parliament. He is also the former prime minister, who served between 2003-2010.
President Niinistö to Begin a Virtual Tour in Municipalities Across Finland
His video tour will begin in Taipalsaari and Tampere on Wednesday, and on Friday he will open a remote connection to Suonenjoki and Seinäjoki.
Minister of Finance Katri Kulmuni Resigns
After finding herself in the middle of a media scandal, Katri Kulmuni (the Centre), has decided to resign.
Prime Minister Sanna Marin Returns to Work
Prime Minister Sanna Marin (the SDP) has returned back to work after a week’s sick leave.

Three Women, Nine Children Arrive in Finland From Al Hol Where People Related to ISIS Militants Are Held
On Sunday, three families arrived in Finland from the Al Hol detention camp in Syria where women and children related to ISIS militants are being held.
Prime Minister Marin’s Sick Leave to Continue at Least Until the End of the Week
Prime Minister Marin had a corona test earlier in the week, and its result was negative.
President Niinistö Calls Putin; Niinistö Emphasizes Need for Dialogue Between the Great Powers
The presidents discussed the coronavirus situations in Finland and Russia as well as bilateral economic, environmental and other cooperation between the countries.
Prime Minister Marin to Take a Sick Leave
According to the government, Prime Minister Marin has caught the cold.
Coronavirus Infection Confirmed in the Finnish Parliament Building
The source of the infection is being traced.
Restaurants to Open on June 1; Here Are the Changes to Tackle the Coronavirus Spread
Restaurants and cafeterias are going to be open on June 1. On Tuesday, the government told us about the details.
Worker at Prime Minister’s Residence Possibly Exposed to Coronavirus
As a precautionary measure, Prime Minister Sanna Marin will continue her work using remote access arrangements.
Major Summer Festivals Canceled in Finland
The government has decided to ban public gatherings and events of over 500 people until July 31.
President Niinistö Calls President Moon of Korea
President Moon assured President Niinistö that the Republic of Korea will continue to support Finland in stopping the coronavirus whenever possible.

Government to Discuss Lifting Restrictions and Whether to Ban Summer Festivals
Today, the government is to make preliminary plans for lifting restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic. However, summer festivals could be banned.
Study Shows Anti-Immigration Attitudes Prevalent Among Affluent Finnish Youth
Research from Rasmus Mannerström (University of Helsinki) and colleagues explores political opinions of young people in Finland.
President Niinistö Has a ‘Fairly Long and Very Pleasant’ Telephone Conversation With Chinese President Xi Jinping
The presidents discussed China’s determined action to combat the coronavirus pandemic and its economic repercussions.
Prime Minister Marin Discusses Coronavirus Situation with the EU Leaders: In Finland, the Number of Infections Is Small Compared to Many Others
The agenda of the negotiations led by Charles Michel, the president of the European Council, was how to limit the spread of the virus and curb the economic consequences.
Prime Minister Sanna Marin to Visit New York For United Nations Women’s Day Event
Prime Minister Marin will also give an open lecture at Columbia University entitled “The Climate Sustainable Welfare Society: Is it the Model of the Future?”
Interview with Finns Party Chair Jussi Halla-aho: ‘EU Acted Irresponsibly by Outsourcing Border Control to Turkey’
We spoke with the leader of the opposition about the current crisis on the border between Greece and Turkey.
Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov in Helsinki: We Appreciate That Finland Is Not Part of a Military Union
Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto (the Green League) and his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, met for their first official talks today at the House of the Estates in Helsinki.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov Visits Finland on Tuesday
Foreign Minister Lavrov will have a meeting with his Finnish counterpart, Pekka Haavisto (the Green League), who is to host the visit. It’s the first official meeting between the ministers.
Foreign Minister Haavisto Under Investigation over Handling of Al Hol Scandal
The investigation will focus on dispute between Haavisto and one of his top officials.
