The non-discrimination ombudswoman, Kristina Stenman, who began her term in August 2020, was not chosen to continue in her post due to pressure from Perussuomalaiset (PS)*, according to reports by Helsingin Sanomat. Upon investigating the changes in the quota refugee system in 2025, which would be manipulated by PS Interior Minister Mari Rantanen’s office to exclude Muslims, Stenman started an investigation that alleged Rantanen wanted changes in the quota-refugee system for this year.
In April, Tuomas Pöysti, chancellor of justice, ruled that Interior Minister Rantanan and her temporary replacement, Minister of Transport and Communication Lulu Ranne, did not act unlawfully. Even so, Pöysti stated that the quota allocation had been poorly handled and that “ministers and aides must ensure that their political guidance does not contain any discriminatory elements.”
Kristina Stenman and Rainer Hiltunen, the former and new non-discrimination ombudsperson. Source: Helsingin Sanomat
Writes Helsingin Sanomat: “According to sources by Helsingin Sanomat, the worsening of relations between the PS and Stenman contributed to Stenman not being granted a further term.”
Matters turned for the worse when, in March, Stenman and unit head Robin Harms said that the PS was “an openly Islamophobic” party. The PS, which is a master player in victimhood, cried foul and slammed the statement as “a shocking attack” on the party.
Having been active in foreigner and minority rights for decades, Stenman grew up in a bilingual family. She studied law as well as Engish and cultural anthropology at the University of Helsinki. She will be missed by many.
Her replacement, Rainer Hiltunen, has a long track record at the non-discrimination ombudsman. “He is also good at what he does, but not as sharp as Stenman,” said Migrant Tales editorial board member Ahti Tolvanen.
If it is true that the PS has blocked and denied Stenman a second term, it is another example of how much the openly xenophobic party, with the blessings of the National Coalition Party, has done a lot of harm and undermined the rule of law and human rights.
It is a sad outcome, but the anti-racism movement has a lot more grit than a gumpy racist party that is heading towards the one-digit political league.
