Prime Minister Petteri Orpo at the National Coalition Party council meeting in Helsinki on 9 August 2025. Photo: Kimmo Penttinen / Str / Lehtikuva
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Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has confirmed that Finland’s government is not moving to recognise the state of Palestine at this time.
Speaking at the National Coalition Party (NCP) council meeting on Saturday, Orpo said the issue requires further discussion within the cabinet. He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to a two-state solution in the Gaza conflict, stating that recognition of Palestine would be part of that process only when conditions are met.
“That logically includes recognising the state of Palestine when the time is right,” Orpo said.
Earlier this summer, President Alexander Stubb said he would be ready to recognise a Palestinian state if the government proposed it. His remarks have contributed to tension within the governing coalition.
Orpo stressed that such a decision is irreversible and must be considered carefully. “Recognition can only be given once, so it must be considered carefully,” he said.
The prime minister focused on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, saying Finland’s priority is to ensure aid reaches civilians. “The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is devastating. For Finland, the most important thing is to get aid to civilians immediately. Hostages must be released, and a ceasefire must be achieved in the area,” he said.
Israel has announced its intention to take control of Gaza City. Orpo addressed this directly in his speech, appealing to Israel to change course. “I strongly urge Israel to reconsider this decision. It would not help the situation,” he said.
He added that achieving lasting peace and a viable two-state model depends on Hamas disarming and civilian authorities taking control in Palestine, including Gaza.
Orpo said the matter of Palestine will be addressed in cooperation with the president in the future.
The party council also confirmed Maggie Keskinen as the NCP’s new party secretary.
In a separate issue, Orpo responded to questions about cost-cutting proposals from Finance Minister Riikka Purra of the Finns Party, which included abolishing the Finnish National Agency for Education. Orpo declined to comment on individual suggestions but indicated that the government will examine all proposals when seeking billion-euro savings.
“It would be categorically foolish to reject everything when billion-euro savings need to be found. We will review the proposals. Of course, there are things that are unpleasant or seem difficult, even impossible,” Orpo said.
Earlier this week, Orpo told the Finnish News Agency STT that while he expected Purra to make a savings target proposal, he did not know its specific contents in advance.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
