Finnish President Alexander Stubb’s son Oliver Stubb. Photo: Emmi Korhonen / Lehtikuva
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Fifteen formal complaints have been filed with the Parliamentary Ombudsman over the selection of Oliver Stubb, son of Finnish President Alexander Stubb, for a sought-after summer internship at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs (FIIA).
The Ombudsman’s office confirmed to media outlet Uutissuomalainen that it had received the complaints but had not yet decided on a processing schedule.
Oliver Stubb began his internship in June as a research assistant. The placement has drawn scrutiny after it was revealed that he received different application guidance than other candidates. Allegations also include possible breaches of administrative fairness and preferential treatment.
There were 59 applicants for the internship, with five invited for interviews. Documents later obtained by Finnish media suggested that some of the interviewed candidates were further along in their academic studies and had relevant work experience in international affairs.
Stubb, who recently completed his first year of undergraduate studies in Politics, Philosophy and Economics at the University of Exeter in the UK, was ultimately selected for the position.
The controversy intensified after reports that FIIA amended its internship eligibility rules to include UK universities just two days after receiving an enquiry from Stubb regarding the role.
The complaints submitted to the Ombudsman ask whether the process was handled in accordance with public sector principles and whether the president’s son received special treatment not extended to other applicants.
The Parliamentary Ombudsman is tasked with monitoring the legality of official actions by Finnish authorities and institutions performing public functions. The position operates independently of the government.
FIIA has not issued further comment since the story first surfaced. The President’s office has also declined to comment, citing the independence of the institute and the personal nature of the internship application.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
