Leading members of Finland's governing coalition have criticised the announcements of two Finns Party MPs about plans to participate in the 612 torchlight procession on Independence Day, instead of attending the Presidential Palace gala.
Finns Party MPs Teemu Keskisarja and Sheikki Laakso indicated their intention to join the 612 march, a move which was defended by the Finns Party's leader, Riikka Purra.
Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (NCP) told Finnish news agency STT that the decision by MPs Keskisarja and Laakso to join the march was "inappropriate", noting that far-right and openly racist groups have promoted the event to their members.
"Therefore the march will probably involve participants from far-right groups. I consider all extremist movements to be dangerous and harmful to Finland's stability," Orpo said, adding that the Prime Minister does not have a right to tell people where they "should go and not go".
"In this regard, everyone should be able to use their own discretion. I personally consider the decision of the Finns Party MPs inappropriate and wrong," he said.
Orpo added that he has also contacted the Finnish Security and Intelligence Service (Supo) about the matter.
Laakso changes mind
However, Later on Monday, after Orpo offered his opinion about the matter, MP Laakso announced on Facebook that he has changed his mind and does not plan to attend the 612 march after all.
In the post, Laakso said the commotion surrounding his plans to attend the march was excessive and that he "does not want to be part of a media spectacle".
According to Finnish news channel MTV early on Monday evening, MP Keskisarja still intends to take part in the march.
Government partner disapproves
Education minister and chair of the Swedish People's Party, Anders Adlercreutz, told Yle that his party disapproves of Keskisarja and Laakso joining the march because an MP's attendance at the presidential gala demonstrates respect for tradition as well as the office of the president.
"It is not appropriate for a Member of Parliament and a member of a government party to choose to participate in a march with a strong connection to the far-right rather than participating in the gala celebrations," Adlercreutz said, also noting the likely participation of far-right groups in the march.
"Far-right movements do not represent the principles to which the government is committed," he said.
In her defence of her party colleagues' decision to attend the 612 march, Finance Minister Purra described it as a nationalist event highlighting patriotic values.
"In a democracy, these values include the freedom of assembly and freedom of speech," she wrote in a press statement.
While acknowledging that far-right and neo-Nazi groups have previously participated in the 612 event, Purra emphasised that the Finns Party does not condone undemocratic practices or far-right activities.
Responding to Purra's statement, Adlercreutz argued that this proved why the two Finns Party MPs should not join the 612 procession.
"That is another reason why it is completely inappropriate for these public representatives to take part in the march. Words and actions must match," he said.
Edited to add Orpo's comments and to note that MP Laakso has changed his mind about taking part in the march.
