Today (24 February 2023) marks the one-year anniversary of Russia’s full-scale attack on Ukraine. One year ago, Europe’s security environment was fundamentally shaken and we woke up to a new set of circumstances. For twelve months, Ukrainians have waged a brave battle for their country, their democracy and their freedom. Thomas Blomqvist, Finland’s Minister for Nordic Cooperation and Equality, emphasises the importance of a continued show of support for Ukraine.
Category: News
Blomqvist: The cabinet’s ambitious efforts for equality are bearing fruit
The current cabinet had ambitious aims concerning equality, and according to the final report on the Government Action Plan for Gender Equality, published today, the majority of the action plan’s 55 targets have been met or are well under way. Most of the equality-related points of the government programme were included in the action plan, but some – such as the Family Leave Reform and the Equal Pay Programme – have been implemented outside of it. Thomas Blomqvist, Minister for Nordic Cooperation and Equality, presented the final report on the Action Plan for Gender Equality on Wednesday (22 February), during its handling in the cabinet.
Historic candidate setting for SFP in parliamentary elections
The Swedish People’s Party of Finland is making history in having one or more candidates in every electoral district in continental Finland for the first time ever, in view of the 2023 parliamentary elections. SFP Secretary General Fredrik Guseff is pleased that the party’s long-term efforts are bearing fruit and that SFP now also has a record number of candidates. SFP will be represented in April’s parliamentary elections by 111 candidates.
Adlercreutz: More higher education places are needed in Uusimaa
The Helsinki Metropolitan Area plays an important role in Finland’s economic development. Brain drain is a genuine problem that we cannot ignore. More higher education places are needed in Uusimaa, says SFP MP Anders Adlercreutz.
Wickström: How ill must the Finnish population feel before we take action?
SFP Vice President Henrik Wickström wants to see the next cabinet taking decisive action to improve access to mental health care. He believes there must be courage to review the entire service chain.
Biaudet: Pleased that Finland’s and Sweden’s NATO processes are progressing hand in hand
Today, the Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee gave a statement on the Government Proposal on Finland’s Accession to NATO.
Bergqvist: Children’s leisure activities must be reinforced even further in the next government programme
SFP’s Member of Parliament and Vice Chair Sandra Bergqvist took part in a panel discussion on the significance of leisure activities for children and adolescents last Tuesday. The panel was arranged by the Guides and Scouts of Finland together with the Scout Parliamentary Union.
Blomqvist: Hydrogen is a great opportunity for Finland
A government decision in principle on hydrogen was approved today. We want to make Finland a competitive and predictable investment environment for the hydrogen economy. The programme includes concrete actions, such as ensuring the smoothness of permit processes, including electric fuels in the distribution obligation, expanding infrastructure and channelling EU and national funding to various development projects.
Wickström: Businesses deserve better politics!
SFP Vice President Henrik Wickström says that the next government must take action to improve businesses’ growth opportunities. Wickström is concerned that small and medium-sized enterprises in Finland lack the courage to develop their operations. Current circumstances, including high energy prices and inflation, have weakened companies’ future prospects.
Blomqvist: Zero tolerance for sexual harassment
Sexual harassment continues to be a major problem in society, contravening every individual’s right to privacy and safety. Farsighted efforts are needed to eliminate this problem, says Thomas Blomqvist, Minister for Nordic Cooperation and Equality. Today (8 February), minister Blomqvist took part in a round table discussion on preventing harassment and increasing equal treatment in the emergency services sector.
