Senior figures from the National Coalition party have hastily distanced themselves from the controversial policy proposals. Party Secretary Taru Tujunen and MP Ilkka Kanerva both condemned the young conservatives’ line, saying that it does not reflect the views of the party.
"These views are from a totally different planet,” stated Kanerva. “In no way do they represent the Coalition policy that people in Finland have placed their trust in, and the one that voters want for Finland’s future development.”
Tujunen also slammed the comments of the chair of the youth arm, Susanna Koski, saying they were “absurd” and that the NCP did not endorse its youth wing’s “racist policy”.
Proposals typify youthful energy?
National Coalition Party MP Kimmo Sasi added his two cents to the debate. While he did not outright condemn the proposals articulated by Koski, he said that the youth league has long been a thorn in the side of the senior party and added that Koski's recent statements could be no more than a publicity stunt.
"The policies are very provocative,” Sasi commented. “In a way it's part and parcel of politics in youth organisations: Let's go boldly in some direction.’”
Sasi also added that even if he did not subscribe to Koski's views, it was important to discuss them.
Support from interesting quarters
However, the perspective of the NCP’s young conservatives has resonated in more nationalistic quarters. Controversial Finns Party MP Jussi Halla-aho also went on record expressing similar views, stating that he thinks that Finnish legislation against the incitement of ethnic hatred should be toned down.
He also called for the moderation of laws on incitement to religious hatred. The outspoken MP believes that both laws stifle freedom of speech.
Halla-aho has himself been convicted of both offences.
The nationalist MP plans to table his proposals before the Parliament this week.