Chair of the SDP, Antti Lindtman. Photo: Roni Rekomaa / Lehtikuva
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Antti Lindtman, chair of Finland’s opposition Social Democratic Party (SDP), said on Yle’s Ykkösaamu programme on Saturday that Finland must move forward with recognising Palestine, calling it a necessary part of the Middle East peace process.
He criticised Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s government for sending “unclear signals” over the issue and confirmed that SDP would file a motion of no confidence in parliament if Finland fails to sign a planned joint statement on Palestine at the United Nations later this month.
The statement, to be signed in New York, affirms that recognition of the State of Palestine is essential for achieving a two-state solution. While signing the document does not automatically entail official recognition, each country is expected to act individually.
Finland’s foreign minister Elina Valtonen has confirmed the government’s intention to sign the statement, but internal disagreements remain. The Finns Party and Christian Democrats have opposed the move. Lindtman said this division undermines the government’s credibility in foreign affairs.
“When people are suffering in Gaza, we cannot afford to be sending mixed messages,” Lindtman told Yle. “It’s in Finland’s interest that foreign policy positions are unified.”
He praised President Alexander Stubb for previously supporting recognition and said the time to act was now.
“If the government fails to sign, we will submit a motion in parliament. Finland cannot be left behind on this.”
Lindtman also said Finland should follow other EU countries and admit wounded and malnourished children from Gaza for medical treatment. According to the European Commission, more than 200 such patients have already been taken in by other EU states.
Budget pressures and housing reforms
In the same interview, Lindtman acknowledged that Finland faces a multibillion-euro budget shortfall. He said future governments would likely need to make adjustments of at least €5.7 billion, based on recent estimates from the Ministry of Finance.
“Debt levels are approaching 90 percent of GDP. That trend must be stopped,” he said.
While outlining the need for savings, Lindtman also repeated proposals to stimulate the housing sector and criticised Orpo’s government for failing to address construction industry stagnation.
“The housing crisis is one of the biggest policy mistakes this government has made,” he said. “No demand means no building.”
He proposed restoring tax deductions for mortgage interest on first homes, a benefit that was removed in 2023 after years of gradual reduction. He also suggested cutting the transfer tax for first-time buyers to zero for a limited time.
Both measures appeared in the SDP’s 2024 alternative budget.
Lindtman said his party would support cutting business subsidies by 10 percent across the board and removing state support for farms that do not produce food for sale. He also called for the end of energy support schemes for heavy industry.
He criticised the government’s general tax policy approach, accusing it of “scattering cuts” across the private sector without targeting the industries most in need of relief.
Asked about education, Lindtman said the now-scrapped adult education allowance should not be reintroduced in its original form but restructured into a new support model.
On immigration, Lindtman said hostile rhetoric from government ministers, including Finance Minister Riikka Purra, was damaging Finland’s international image and could harm recruitment.
“Purra has given cover to far-right, anti-human attitudes,” Lindtman said. “That has no place in Finland.”
HT
- Next Article Finland joins Palestine declaration amid cabinet rift
Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
