Prime Minister Sanna Marin (SDP) has been criticized by opposition parties after much discussion of its statement on Finland’s likelihood of joining NATO by mid-2023.

Mari on Wednesday stated For Reuters, it is “highly unlikely” that the country will apply for membership in the military alliance in the remaining 15 months of this term, an estimate that quickly received worldwide media attention.

He later assessed that his statement had been read too much and recalled that he also stated that the possibility of applying for membership still existed.

Petteri Orpo, Coalition Chairman, Thursday told me According to Helsingin Sanomat, the Prime Minister’s statement is not compatible with the government’s foreign and security policy report.

“My view is that because we have a relatively recent foreign and security policy report, which clearly states that Finland must retain the opportunity to seek [membership in Nato], the prime minister should not rule out the possibility. Not even for a limited time, “he explained to the magazine.

“Our sovereign right to apply, it must be active.”

Marin felt it virtually closed the door on membership for the remainder of the election term in the midst of unprecedented uncertainty in the surrounding world. “It is at times like this that there must be an opportunity to apply.”

Riikka PurraThe chairman of Basic Finns described the statement as a mistake in security policy Interview with YLE.

“It’s quite a security policy mistake. A factual mistake. Of course, it’s not worth going to say such things to the international media, even if the prime minister happens to be of that opinion,” he said.

Marin has rejected the criticism and insisted that his statement be in line with the foreign and security policy report. “We are holding on [the opportunity] firmly and makes these decisions based on our independent considerations. That is a position that is in line with our report on foreign and security policy. And I have represented this position very consistently, ”he told Helsingin Sanomat.

The desire to read the statement may be due to the upcoming provincial elections, he added to YLE.

– The election is on Sunday. Maybe this has sparked various comments from opposition lawmakers, Marin said.

Aleksi Teivainen – HT