Chairperson Sofia Virta speaks at the Green League party congress in Hämeenlinna on 7 June 2025. Photo: Roni Rekomaa / Lehtikuva
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The Green League has voted to support ending the Finnish Parliament’s annual allocation of discretionary funds, known as “Christmas bonus money”. The decision was made during the party’s weekend congress and marks a shift in the party’s stance on government spending.
The initiative was approved despite opposition from the party’s executive board. It was proposed by the Greens in Central Finland, who argued that ending the practice reflects responsible fiscal policy and sound governance.
In 2023, Parliament distributed €50 million in discretionary funds to local infrastructure and civic projects. The practice, long criticised for its opaque criteria, typically intensifies during the final stages of the budget process.
“The use of public funds should be transparent and based on needs, not political convenience,” said Sofia Virta, who was re-elected as party chair on Saturday.
The congress also endorsed a proposal addressing international law and human rights. The adopted position emphasises Finland’s reliance on international treaties, especially in countering actions by Russia. It warns against selective adherence to international rules depending on political interests.
The proposal criticised both the government’s repatriation bill, known as the “pushback law”, and recent defence procurements involving Israel. It also challenged Finland’s intention to withdraw from the Ottawa Treaty, which bans anti-personnel mines.
“National security is being used to justify highly questionable measures,” the text said. It warned that undermining the Ottawa Treaty would have consequences for civilians both globally and in Finland.
The congress approved a version of the proposal that included reservations, particularly concerning the Ottawa Treaty. The party leadership had recommended caution, noting that the government’s proposal to leave the treaty had not yet been presented to Parliament and lacked full detail.
“It is the responsibility of MPs to consider all aspects when deciding on Finland’s defence,” the party board stated.
The final resolution affirms that the Green League stands for human rights, international treaties, and legal norms in all decisions related to defence and security.
Delegates also approved a call to legislate oversight of algorithmic systems like those used by TikTok. While not advocating an outright ban, the party seeks regulation to address social harms linked to algorithm-driven content distribution.
The congress received thirteen initiatives, with votes held on several. Two were formally approved: one on ending Christmas bonus allocations and the other on defending international legal commitments.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
