A citizens' initiative to retain the small Malmi airport in Helsinki that gathered more than 56,000 signatories came up for its first debate in Parliament this week.
Previously state-owned, in 2014 the small-craft airport and its surrounding green area were handed over to the municipality of Helsinki for the construction of housing. Opposition from local residents and aviation enthusiasts led to the citizens' initiative advocating a 'Lex Malmi' in which the government would take back control of the airport and preserve it for general aviation.
Prime Minister Sipilä has declined to speculate what areas of state-owned land could be offered in exchange for the airport. He pointed to reluctance by the municipality to consider a swap.
"Maybe this is not the time for a public debate. Let's see [first] if there is readiness for this in principle," he said.
For his part, Prime Minister Sipilä announced in Parliament Thursday that the government is ready to step in to save the airport.
National Coalition Party MP and Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Kai Mykkänen stated Friday morning that the PM's comments are giving the defenders of Malmi airport false hopes because no proposal for a settlement exists. National Coalition Party chair, Finance Minister Petteri Orpo Thursday evening wrote on Twitter that there is no agreement on the matter within the government.
Zoned for housing
The state decided in 2014 to relinquish Malmi airport. Last year, Helsinki’s city council approved a zoning plan that calls for the construction of housing in the area for around 25,000 residents.
"In principle, to my mind, this [the Prime Minister's opposition] is mistrust in local democracy and the ability of the people of Helsinki to decide their own affairs," Kai Mykkänen told Yle.
Mykkänen added that he considers the citizens' initiative on Malmi airport in some respects as being a dangerous move.
"I don't think we need any more extraneous, nationwide channels in Finland for complaints about decisions by the Helsinki city council."
If Parliament does pass the citizens' initiative, the alternatives will be expropriation or an exchange of land.
"It is hard to envisage that either would turn out to be sensible for the taxpayers," says Kai Mykkänen.