No progress for euthanasia in Parliament
The majority of political parties have refused to rush to promote the development of euthanasia in Finland. A Greens party conference held last weekend ruled to promote the regulation of euthanasia. The Greens approved a proposal ruling that those suffering from a terminal sickness have the right to a decent death and assisted dying. In his blog, the party leader, Ville Niinistö emphasised his moderate stance by referring to advances in medicine. No legislative actions, however, are expected, as other parties are unwilling to add euthanasia to their agendas due to the issue’s complex and non-political nature. The Christian Democrats and The Finns Party in particular were quick and vocal in condemning the Greens’ position.
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How the Finns Party regularly makes controversial headlines
The controversies surrounding the Finns Party stem from the inexperience of the party members and the literal interpretation of their statements by journalists, researchers say.
MANY of the controversial statements of Finns Party members have not been heavily criticised by the other major political parties. Researchers say this is because the other parties do not want to assume authority when conventions on political discourse are the issue. Political researcher Ville Pernaa of the University of Turku says the matter has often come down to how an idea is phrased.
Troubled Greece calls new elections as Finnish MPs fret
GREEK politicians have been unable to form a governing coalition and say a new election will be scheduled for mid-June. The latest opinion polls show a radical left party, Syriza, is likely to become the largest party. Finnish ministers have been sending mixed signals about the issue.
All eyes are now upon Syriza, which wants Greece to continue using the common European currency but reject the terms of the bailout. Most European officials are insisting that Greece stick to the reform and austerity plan.
Stubb calls for enhanced Nordic co-operation and a more distinct Nordic brand
Minister of European Affairs and Foreign Trade, Alexander Stubb (NCP) calls for enhanced Nordic co-operation. Since 1995, Nordic co-operation has been disjointed due to the countries' different views on the EU, eurozone and NATO. “We must promote Nordic co-operation. Currently, it lacks something,” he offered at a seminar in Eduskunta. Viable areas of co-operation include defence policy, but liaison should also be promoted in international organisations similar to the International Monetary Fund. Moreover, the Nordic countries could draft a brand report with which to illuminate the concept of Nordic, Stubb signalled.
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Lehtikuva - Martti Kainulainen
Urpilainen: Greece should stick with euro
Finland's Minister of Finance, Jutta Urpilainen (SDP) believes that it is in Greece's interest to stick with euro and abide by the loan and cut agreements. Were Greece to leave the euro, the consequences would be unpredictable, Urpilainen cautioned in a meeting of the eurozone finance ministers in Brussels on Monday. “Therefore, it is really important, and also in Greece's interest, that Greece stabilises its situation and installs a government – one that is committed to economic reforms.” Amid demands for re-negotiations by several Greek parties, Urpilainen reiterated that the reforms promised by Greece's previous government and the loan package are indivisible.
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Lehtikuva - Jussi Nukari
