A rift has emerged within Finland's ruling coalition over a joint statement encouraging the recognition of a Palestinian state.
Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen (NCP) announced Finland's support for the France-led declaration, which calls for a two-state solution, an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and humanitarian access.
However, key government partners, including the Finns Party and the Christian Democrats, say they were not properly consulted.
Finance Minister and Finns Party leader Riikka Purra stated that her party opposes recognising Palestine and was merely informed of Finland's involvement in the declaration after the fact.
"The Finns Party does not support the recognition of Palestine. According to the government's positions, the two-state model is the goal, but the current situation does not allow for progress through recognition," Purra said in an email to Yle.
Interior Minister Mari Rantanen (Finns) reiterated that conditions are not currently in place for recognising Palestinian statehood.
Christian Democrat leader Sari Essayah echoed this view, asserting her party had not approved the joint declaration and would not remain in a government that formally recognises Palestine.
Valtonen, however, insisted the government remains committed to a two-state solution and says the coalition — including the Christian Democrats — has previously expressed support for that stance in Finland's security and foreign policy report.
Parliament's role in question
Speaker of Parliament Jussi Halla-aho (Finns Party) cautioned against parliamentary involvement in foreign policy decisions, arguing that such matters should remain the domain of the president and the government. He added that any initiatives outside the government programme require consensus within the cabinet.
In contrast, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has called for the matter to be brought before Parliament as a formal report.
"I would see that as unconstitutional, to say the least. In Finland, foreign policy is led by the President in cooperation with the Government. Parliament is not the initiating body in this," Halla-aho told Yle.
SDP chair Antti Lindtman and the party's parliamentary group leader Tytti Tuppurainen argue that if the government cannot reach a decision, Parliament should weigh in.
A recent Yle survey suggests a slim parliamentary majority supports recognising Palestinian statehood. Backing has come from the SDP, Greens, Left Alliance and Movement Now, while the ruling coalition parties remain split.
President Stubb ready to recognise Palestinian state
Finnish President Alexander Stubb says he is ready to approve a government proposal to recognise the State of Palestine — if such a proposal is presented to him. In an interview with STT on Thursday, Stubb said it is up to the government to decide whether to submit the proposal.
Under Finland’s constitution, recognition of a state is formally the president’s decision, but it must be based on a government proposal.
Stubb said he hopes Finland will move to recognise Palestine but declined to comment on internal disagreements within the government. He added that the coming weeks will reveal whether the government can put forward such a proposal.
"We have been discussing this difficult issue since the beginning of October 2023. Now I see that the situation has progressed to the point where Finland must make its choice," Stubb told STT.
Stubb said part of his reasoning is that a growing number of peer countries have announced their intention to recognise a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September. Stubb added that he is concerned the opportunity for a two-state solution could slip away if action is not taken soon.
Following Stubb's comments, Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (NCP) wrote on messaging platform X that the government is now discussing the Middle East situation both internally and with the president.
"The Middle East needs a solution that guarantees a secure future for Palestine and Israel. Civilians must receive aid quickly," Orpo wrote.
According to Orpo, all decisions will be made carefully.
Edit note: The article was updated at 17:47 to reflect PM Petteri Orpo's and President Alexander Stubb's comments on the issue.
