The government of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo is anticipating with some dread the opening of the Finnish-Russian border on 14 January. In order to deny people the right to asylum, Orpo has gone as far as to suggest that asylum seekers should be sent directly back to Russia supposedly because it is a safe country….
Tag: xenophobia
2023 taught me that racism is the poison that threatens democracy and human rights
Russia is not unpredictable. In its operations against Finland, it exploits racism because Finland is a racist country. The observation by writer Sofi Oksnanen is the only one I have read that reveals the government’s pushbacks and their draconian immigration and asylum policy. The government’s knee-jerk reaction to closing the Finnish-Russian border shows how Finnish…
The Finnish-Russian border is not an open-and-shut case
Article 3 – border control measures must be without prejudice to the rights ofrefugees and other people requesting international protection, in particular asregards the principle of non-refoulement. European Convention on Human Rights Perussuomalaiset (PS)* Finnish Interior Minister Mari Rantnanen called herself Tuesday a “tough border lady” on A-studio. After opening two border checkpoints Thursday at…
Petteri Orpo, Mari Rantanen, Riikka Purra, and the government show contempt for Human Rights
It is shameful, but obvious, why Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s government, not one minister of the National Coalition Party and Perussuomalaiset,* mentions International Human Rights Day. Being white, driven by xenophobia and having a privileged life in Finland, it is understandable why such politicians see Human Rights as a threat. Former President Tarja Halonen (2000-2012)…
Tales from Europe: Dr. Faith Mkwesha and the Ubuntu Nordic Academy’s quest for unity in Western societies
Western societies can move toward a more communal and inclusive mindset, breaking down barriers and fostering a sense of shared responsibility. In a world often characterized by individualism, Ubuntu promotes empathy, cooperation, and mutual support – essential elements for addressing societal challenges…
President Sauli Niinistö’s last dance
THE OPINION PIECE WAS UPDATED Much of Finland’s hostility towards asylum seekers and visible minorities lies on President Sauli Niinistö, who hosts today his last Independence Day gala. For some, like me, this is good news. Hopefully, Finland’s next president will have a greater understanding of migrants, cultural diversity and peace-building. Ahti Tolvanen, who is…
Questioning dual citizenship rights is another indication of Finland’s path to greater insularity
Why is the dual citizenship issue being raised again by Yle? According to a survey of MPs, 34 would block dual Finnish-Russian citizenship, while 36 said they would not. Twenty-six had no opinion. Is it surprising that the majority of MPs who want to restrict dual citizenship are members of the Perussuomalaiset (PS)* and National…
Racism and xenophobia will turn Finland into a Nordic Hungary
Since 2011, Finland has found a powerful political force in racism. If the country heads down the path of Hungary, it will do so with fearmongering about migrants and how such people abuse and use social welfare at the cost of white Finns. Even if the Perussuomalaiset (PS)* don’t hide their disdain for migrants and…
Fake news by Finnish Interior Minister Mari Rantanen on how to take the media for a ride
Finland’s Perussuomalaiset (PS)* interior minister, Mari Rantanen, has pulled another fast one on the media. Anti-immigration politicians usually make outrageous statements that are then rebuffed by the media. It is a course in Fake News 101. Even if Interior Minister Mari Rantanen admits her claim, that millions of migrants are coming to Finland, to be…
Riikka Purra and the PS are desparate and fear being exposed for what they are: liars
Radical right Perussuoalaiset (PS)* chairperson, Riikka Purra, like Interior Minister Mari Rantanen, loathes Muslims and other minorities. Slamming and suggesting that Deputy Chancellor of Justice Mikko Puumalainen is a”liberal moron,” exposes her hatred and desperation. Purra, the one who said she’d shoot migrant youths on a train in 2008, now takes out her crystal ball…