Category: Politics
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 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 a recent 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.
Prime Minister Marin Discusses Plan For EU’s Long-Term Budget With Chancellor Merkel; Tentatively, Germany Would Have to Pay More
“We want the financial framework to support the member states in implementing the EU’s ambitious climate policy and ensuring respect for the rule of law,” Prime Minister Marin said.
Prime Minister Marin to Meet German Chancellor Merkel on Wednesday
Prime Minister Sanna Marin (the SDP) will visit Berlin on Wednesday and meet with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Fruitful Meeting Between Foreign Minister Haavisto and His Polish Counterpart, Czaputowicz
The diplomats-in-chief discussed regional security matters and bilateral cooperation.
PM Sanna Marin Meets With Her Latvian Counterpart, Krisjanis Karins, on Warm Spring Day in Helsinki: We Need to Address Climate Change
“Climate is one of the top priorities in our Government Program.”
INTERVIEW: Interior Ministers of Sweden and Finland Talk About Enhancing Police Cooperation at Borders and in Society
In our interview, the two ministers, Maria Ohisalo and Mikael Damberg, discuss taking “their collaboration to the next level.”
President Niinistö: We Must Be Resolute in Opposing Antisemitism and Racism
“Heavy labeling of other people should not be done lightly, from one direction or the other. As individuals, we must all be able to enjoy similar protection, also against labeling. Irrespective of whether we represent some majority or some minority.”
VIDEO: Interviews With Experts on Brexit and How UK’s Divorce With the EU Affects Finland
We interviewed Finnish experts on how Brexit will affect the future relations between Finland and the UK.
Prime Minister Marin to Meet With Leaders of Apple, Google and Microsoft in Davos
She will meet the tech leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on January 22–24.
President Niinistö to Attend Event in Poland Commemorating 75th Anniversary of Liberation of Auschwitz
On January 27, 2020, President Sauli Niinistö will attend an event in Poland commemorating the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.
Prime Minister Marin Met With Her Estonian Counterpart, Ratas; ‘The Friendship Between Estonia and Finland is Strong and Timeless’
The friendship between Estonia and Finland is strong and timeless, something we want to develop,” said Prime Minister Ratas.
President Sauli Niinistö to Attend the World Holocaust Forum in Israel
The World Holocaust Forum commemorates the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.
Prime Minister Marin to Visit Estonia Today; Visit May Reveal Tensions in Domestic Politics, According to a Researcher
She will meet with the Estonian prime minister, Jüri Ratas, in Tallinn and Prime Minister Marin will also make a courtesy visit to President Kersti Kaljulaid.
Foreign Minister Haavisto Calls His Iranian Counterpart Zarif Demanding Explanation on the Attack Against Peacekeeping Troops
In addition to the telephone conversation, Minister Haavisto met the Iraqi Ambassador Matheel Al-Sabti and Ahmad Hosseini, chargé d’affaires of the Embassy of Iran in Helsinki.
Prime Minister Sanna Marin: Six-Hour Workday is a Vision For the Future But Not During This Governmental Term
During her first trip to Sweden as the prime minister on Wednesday, she briefly explained the thought behind the idea.
President and Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy Discuss Iraq, Iran and Middle East
Earlier, President Sauli Niinistö commented on the tensions between the United States and Iran.
Finnish Peacekeepers Survive the Missile Strikes Against American Troops on Tuesday Night
On Tuesday night, Iran launched over a dozen missiles at two Iraqi bases stationed by American troops and its coalition forces. Finland has peacekeeping units in the other attacked base.
The Repatriation of Children From Al Hol Has Begun
Finland is getting ready to repatriate the first children from Al Hol.
Prime Minister Sanna Marin: The Finnish Government Wants to Repatriate Children from Al Hol Camp
“There’s no obligation to help the adults who are in the camp,” Marin said.