I wonder if National Coalition Party (Kokoomus) MP Wille Rydman has ever heard of Florida Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz, who is under investigation for sexually abusing minors, among other crimes? Helsingin Sanomat exposed in a story Rydman of inappropriate behavior and abusing sexually minors Sunday.
Like Gaetz, Rydman is in hot water and denies all charges against him.
Apart from being unofficially christened as the Jussi Halla-aho by some Kokoomus MPs, it is ironic that such a politician warns Finns of the dangers of the crimes of asylum seekers, which include rape, is suspected of the same crimes.
Former Perussuomalaiset (PS)* chairperson Jussi Halla-aho was convicted in 2012 for ethnic agitation and breaching the sanctity of religion. In his blog writings, he hoped that migrants rape certain MPs.
One of the far-right conspiracy theories spread by Rydman is the great replacement theory, which warns that Muslims and people of color will take over Europe and whites will become a minority.
Apart from the hypocrisy of Finnish exceptionalism and that of Kokoomus’, it is surprising how little the party did to get to the bottom of these alleged crimes committed by Rydman.
Writes Helsingin Sanomat: “The women who were in contact with Rydman say he acted inappropriately and was sexually explicit in his words, behaved in a threatening way and forced them [to consume] alcohol. Some of the women were minors when Rydman approached them.”
Kokoomus chairperson Petter Orpo had heard about the allegations against Rydman in winter when journalists were investigating Rydman.
What is surprising is that Kokoomus carried out an investigation into the matter but came up empty-handed.
Orpo said in Helsingin Sanomat that he takes the allegations in Helsingin Sanomat “extremely seriously.”
The scandal could have far-reaching consequences for the party. Apart from ending Rydman’s political career if found guilty, it could hit Kokoomus’ favorable poll standings and its showing in next April’s parliamentary election.
If Rydman’s political career ends, he won’t be missed by many except for those anti-immigration hardliners like MP Atte Kaleva and the Perussuomalaiset* party.