Flags waving at a pro-Palestine protest in Helsinki. Photo: Vesa Moilanen / Lehtikuva
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Most Finnish parliamentary parties now support recognising Palestinian statehood, but opposition from two governing coalition members is preventing any move forward, according to a new Yle survey.
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has hardened its position since May, stating that recognition should not be delayed. Tytti Tuppurainen, chair of the SDP parliamentary group, wrote that Finland would be “on the wrong side of history” if it failed to act by the time France moves to recognise Palestine during the UN General Assembly week this autumn.
The National Coalition Party (NCP) and the Swedish People’s Party (SPP) support recognition in principle but favour a slower process. Both parties condition recognition on regional developments and broader diplomatic efforts.
Recognition is opposed by the Christian Democrats and the Finns Party, which are part of the current government coalition led by Prime Minister Petteri Orpo. Jani Mäkelä, parliamentary group chair for the Finns Party, said that conditions for a two-state model do not currently exist, and that “terrorism has not been brought to an end”.
The Christian Democrats argue that recognition would reward violence. They demand a lasting ceasefire and the release of hostages before any move toward recognising statehood.
The Centre Party did not respond to the survey.
The debate has gained urgency following France’s decision to recognise the State of Palestine in September, making it the first G7 nation to do so. France’s decision is expected to influence other European countries, including Finland, to take similar steps.
Finland’s foreign policy leadership has previously indicated that recognition could take place in coordination with other like-minded nations. At present, 147 of the 193 United Nations member states recognise Palestinian statehood.
The worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza has placed additional pressure on Finland’s government. Aid agencies warned this week that famine is accelerating in the region under Israeli siege.
On Friday, Finnish President Alexander Stubb condemned the civilian suffering in Gaza. Writing on social platform X, he described the situation as “increasingly inhumane” and called the famine “man-made, deplorable and shameful”.
Opposition parties have called for faster action. The Greens criticised the government for its response to the crisis. Oras Tynkkynen, chair of the Greens’ parliamentary group, called the government’s position a “repulsive stain” in Finnish history.
The Left Alliance reaffirmed its long-standing support for Palestinian recognition, calling it a step toward a just and lasting peace. Movement Now also supports immediate recognition if it can contribute to ending the humanitarian crisis.
The NCP, which leads the governing coalition, has maintained its support for a two-state solution, but said the timing of recognition should serve broader goals of peace and security. Jukka Kopra, NCP parliamentary group chair, said that “recognition should be granted at a time when it is deemed to best promote stability, peace and security in the region”.
He added that the priority remains alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Support for Palestinian recognition now spans a wide range of parliamentary parties. Only the Christian Democrats and the Finns Party continue to reject it outright.
With France’s recognition expected to come in September, pressure on Finland to act is likely to grow. Diplomatic coordination among EU member states is ongoing, but no fixed timeline has been announced.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
