Controversial politician Jussi Halla-aho may be unable to run for the EU parliament as a candidate of any registered party if a proposed pledge to exclude candidates with racist agendas goes through, the capital’s Swedish-language Hufvudstadsbladet reports.

“Perussuomalaiset [The True Finns] will not be able to accept Jussi Halla-aho on its list of EU nominees after [party leader] Timo Soini expressed support for the anti-racist agreement that is currently being drafted.

Swedish People’s Party secretary Ulla Achrén is responsible for planning the project, which will lead to all parties signing an anti-racist appeal before the upcoming EU elections. ‘We are not quite in agreement on the actual content yet. Because many stances are being taken, putting the finishing touches on it will take time’, said Achrén.

... For the party that has made a strategic alliance with The True Finns for the EU elections, the Christian Democrats, the anti-racist pledge will be like an answer to their prayers if it blocks Halla-aho’s candidacy. [CD party leader] Päivi Räsänen declined to take a position on how a big a problem it will be for the Christian Democrats if Halla-aho is included in the alliance. She is confident her own party’s supporters understand the purely strategic nature of the alliance.

Former CD leader, MP Bjarne Kallis is openly worried about the situation however. ‘Timo Soini’s statement that his party [alone] will take the final decision on this is annoying. Halla-aho is under investigation [by the Finnish police, for inciting] hatred against ethnic groups. Due to the alliance, that reflects badly on us as well’”.

Hufvudstadsbladet 20 March. James O’Connor