Tough Time For Green Leader
The leader of Finland’s Green Alliance political party Touko Aalto is under fire in the media this morning. At least three editorials or columns in newspapers and TV news websites are critical of him. They cite a lack of popularity and awareness among the public, voter disapproval of his lifestyle, and being overshadowed by his predecessor for his party’s recent slump in the polls. By contrast, the Left Alliance faces an opposite problem: their leader Li Andersson is perceived by voters to be a big asset, but it hasn’t translated into a popularity bounce for her party.
Government Approves Estonia Ammunition Sale
Defence Minister Jussi Niinistö (Blue) is heading to Tallinn today for talks with his Estonian counterpart. The pair will discuss Baltic Sea security and military cooperation during the two-day visit. The visit comes as the Finnish government approves the sale of 155mm ammunition to Estonia, in a deal worth an estimated €8.5 million. Many other details of the deal are classified, so we don’t know exactly how much ammunition will be sold, or the quality. However, it will come from the Finnish Defence Force’s existing stock. Read more here.
Long-Time Politician To Quit Euro Parliament
Seasoned politician Liisa Jaakonsaari (Social Democrats) says she won’t stand for re-election to the European Parliament in next spring’s elections. The 73-year-old also says she has no plans to run for Finland’s national parliament either. Jaakonsaari was first elected to parliament in 1979, and went to the European Parliament two decades later in 2009. She also served as Minister of Labour from 1995 to 1999.
Dangerous Wild Boar Warning
Police in south west Finland are warning that an injured wild board could be dangerous to the public. Officials say the animal might have been wounded during a hunt in the Hiirijärvi area, and the Harjavalta forestry area. Local residents have been tracking the wild boar but so far it hasn’t been found. This morning, police say it should be considered dangerous to humans, and ask people to call 112 to report any sightings.
Friday Morning Weather
The weather continues to be warm for this time of year, although at night and in the morning there will be mist or fog in many places and by this evening some rain showers. This morning starts off with sunshine across much of southern Lapland, the west coast from Vaasa through Turku, with patchy cloud in the capital city region. Expect fog along the eastern border. Temperatures this morning range from +16°C in the south, to +5°C in parts of Lapland.
