Perussuomalaiset (PS)* Justice Minister Leena Meri’s decision to disband a ministerial committee on racism, hate crime, and hate speech exposed and killed the government’s anti-racism statement for what it was: a piece of paper. It’s clear that the government wasn’t and isn’t serious about doing anything to tackle the social ll.
The elephant in the room is the PS, which has built its political success on xenophobia, would never take steps to shot itself in the leg. Villifying migrants, especially non-EU citizens and Muslims, is an integral part of the PS’ DNA.
Reaction has been swift. Alluding to what has happened in Viktor Orbán’s Hungary, Judge association Tuomariliitto considered Meri’s actions as “deeply concerning the development of the rule of law [in Finland].” An Helsingin Sanomat editorial also raised concern about Meri’s actions and that we should not take the rule of law lightly.
Some of these important recommendations made by the European Commission include:
- Grant the Non-Discrimination Ombudsman the right to take up discriminatory cases in employment;
- The Non-Discrimination Ombudsman would have the right to take such cases to the courts;
- Increase the capacity of the ombudsman’s staff;
- Empower the National Non-Discrimination and Equality Tribunal to deal with complaints concerning discrimination in employment;
- Collection of hate crime and hate speech data;
- Data would include a system that would be collected on ethnic, religious, gender, and citizenship origin;
- Offer more training to public staff;
- Establish a body that will look at police discrimination, racism, and misconduct.
Meri’s action is only one example of how radical right parties throughout Europe like the PS are undermining the rule of law to suit their populist anti-immigration policies and worldview.
It is a good matter that there has been a reaction in Finland, but is it enough if Prime Minister Petteri Orpo acts as if nothing is happening?
