The Finnish Euro-MPs Ville Itälä (cons) and Hannu Takkula (centre) were quoted as saying by regional daily Turun Sanomat on Tuesday that Finnish Conservative and Centre party MEPs should be part of a single European party.

At the moment Finland's National Coalition party is a member of the European People's Party, with Finnish Centre party MEPs flying the colours of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe.

Takkula was quoted as saying that the two Finnish parties' leaders should comment on the proposal to join forces at the European Parliament.
The two MEPs told Turun Sanomat that being part of the same Euro-party was the optimal way of maximising Finland's power in Brussels and Strasbourg.

Takkula added that other Centre party MEPs were willing to welcome the Conservatives into the Alde's ranks but not so keen to switch to the EPP themselves.

Itälä was quoted as saying that he hoped centre-right cooperation would intensify in Finland as well as at the EU.
According to Turun Sanomat Itälä even talked about merging the two Finnish parties.

STT