Prime Minister Petteri Orpo at the launch event of the government’s anti-racism campaign Me puhumme teoin in Helsinki on 27 August 2024. LEHTIKUVA
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The Finnish government’s anti-racism training for ministers and senior officials will last about an hour and take place after the municipal and county elections in April, according to a report by Uutissuomalainen (USU).
The training was planned by the government in collaboration with experts from the Institute for Health and Welfare (THL).
It will begin on 14 April with civil servant managers, followed by ministers at a later date, according to Katriina Nousiainen, a chief specialist at the Prime Minister’s Office.
“After that, it may be further developed based on feedback,” Nousiainen told USU.
The training was announced in response to racism controversies surrounding the government last summer, shortly after it took office. The situation led to the resignation of Vilhelm Junnila, the Finns Party’s former Minister of Economic Affairs, following reports of his past far-right connections and social media posts referencing Nazi and Ku Klux Klan symbols.
Finance Minister Riikka Purra, leader of the Finns Party, also faced scrutiny after past racist blog posts surfaced. The controversy forced Prime Minister Petteri Orpo to issue an anti-racism statement and launch a working group on equality measures.
The government has not confirmed whether attendance at the training will be mandatory. Although Suomen Kuvalehti reported last month that ministers would be required to participate, it noted that no formal decision had been made.
As part of the broader anti-racism programme, the government has also organised public campaigns and roundtable discussions led by the prime minister. A mid-term report on the programme’s effectiveness is expected in the autumn.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
