Finland budget negotiations have been postponed after senior members of the Finns Party made controversial statements about immigrants. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo appeared alone at the press conference, saying no agreements would be reached until coalition partners clarified their positions on language and conduct. The delay exposed a growing rift in the four-party coalition as leaders gathered in Helsinki’s Smolna residence to discuss €1 billion in additional budget cuts. Talks were interrupted when Orpo demanded answers about Finns Party officials describing immigrants as “low-quality arrivals.” Orpo said the classification of people based on country of origin, socioeconomic background, or education is inhumane and must be addressed.
The dispute stems from a televised interview with Finns Party vice-chair Teemu Keskisarja, who repeated claims linked to population replacement theory. His comments were widely condemned but later endorsed by party chair and Finance Minister Riikka Purra, who said she found nothing inappropriate. This disagreement caused a delay in Finland’s annual budget lock-in, where ministers normally finalize revenue and spending plans. Instead, coalition leaders focused on internal conduct and political boundaries.
Opposition leaders from the Social Democrats, Greens, and Left Alliance criticised the coalition for tolerating extremist language. SDP leader Antti Lindtman accused Purra of giving “a home to racism and hatred of people” in government. Greens leader Sofia Virta called on Orpo to dissolve the coalition if the issue could not be resolved. Orpo, however, did not commit to a new anti-racism declaration like the one issued in 2023 after previous controversies involving Purra.
Outside Smolna, more than 140 organizations staged protests against budget cuts to social services and health NGOs. Pensioners, disability advocates, mental health groups, and housing support organizations joined the demonstration. Representatives from Satakunta’s Sininauhasäätiö reported that existing cuts had forced the closure of a support centre for vulnerable people in Pori. Development officer Iida Makkonen said the approach is not a solution, noting that exclusion comes at a cost.
Inside Smolna, tensions were visible. Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen briefly attended but left without comment. Christian Democrat Mika Poutala spoke with protestors but did not address the internal dispute. Centre-right MP Ville Valkonen, who prepared budget proposals, said the government should focus on issues that matter to Finns.
While final decisions are pending, several measures are being discussed. Proposed €1 billion cuts are on top of €9 billion in previous adjustments. Expected changes include reductions in housing construction support, with ARA loan guarantees cut by €350 million. Other proposals involve partial reversals of increased Kela reimbursements for private doctor visits. The government is also considering reducing integration payments to municipalities and development cooperation funding. Local government grant cuts of €150 million and closures of the Finnish National Agency for Education were rejected. Tax adjustments are under review, including higher excise taxes on alcohol and tobacco and changes to pensioner tax relief. Business subsidies may shift from direct grants to tax support.
As of Monday afternoon, no formal budget session had started. Coalition leaders Orpo, Purra, Sari Essayah of the Christian Democrats, and Anders Adlercreutz of the Swedish People’s Party continued confidential discussions to rebuild trust. Sources close to the negotiations described the situation as fragile. Several MPs and ministers declined to comment on progress. Adlercreutz warned that the leadership of the Finns Party is undermining the foundation of coalition cooperation. Despite mounting pressure, Orpo resisted calls for a government reshuffle or sanctions, saying that trust must be restored and that is the only way forward.
