Finland’s finance minister clarifies anti-racism campaign commitment of Perussuomalaiset party

Finland’s Minister of Finance, Riikka Purra, clarified her previous statements on the Perussuomalaiset party’s commitment to the government’s anti-racism campaign during a post on social media platform X Wednesday. Purra emphasized that the Perussuomalaiset party is committed to a report approved last year, which serves as the foundation for the anti-racism action program and the subsequent campaign. “Four government parties have been involved in compiling the program. We are therefore participating just like the other three government parties,” Purra stated.

She noted that the issue at hand is whether the party’s governing board will make a separate decision regarding their participation in the campaign, suggesting it is unlikely they will do so. Purra also criticized media coverage of the topic, accusing some outlets of trying to independently shape the political narrative in a way that suits them.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Petteri Orpo exclusively presented the government’s anti-racism campaign. The Perussuomalaiset party held a meeting that same day in Kouvola, where Purra provided comments to the media regarding the campaign. The government’s anti-racism initiative has faced considerable backlash, with the chair of the Perussuomalaiset parliamentary group, Jani Mäkelä, previously expressing doubts about the necessity of the campaign.