Left Alliance leader and presidential candidate Li Andersson has criticised the government following Finland's decision to abstain from voting in favour of a UN resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza.
"The arguments are not convincing. The text of the resolution very clearly condemned all attacks and terrorist acts against Palestinians and Israelis," Andersson said.
Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen (NCP) and Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (NCP) had both defended Finland's decision, arguing that the move was consistent with Finnish policy.
FM Valtonen wrote on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, that Finland would have voted in favour of the resolution if it had condemned the attack by the terrorist organisation Hamas.
PM Orpo backed up this position when he spoke to Yle on Saturday.
"Hamas was not even mentioned in this resolution, and that is why we abstained from voting. At the EU summit yesterday, the EU countries approved a clear statement that was in line with Finland's position," he said.
However, Andersson noted that the text of the resolution condemned all acts of violence against Palestinian and Israeli civilians, including acts of terrorism, indiscriminate attacks and provocations.
"Hamas was not mentioned by name, but neither was Israel. We would have liked to see Finland follow the example of some EU countries, including France, Belgium, Spain and Norway, and vote in favour of the resolution," she said.
In total, 120 countries voted in favour of the resolution, with 14 countries against and 45 nations, including Finland, abstaining.
Finland's decision, in Andersson's view, gives an unclear picture of the Finnish position on the proposed humanitarian ceasefire — and the government's explanations have only served to add to the confusion.
For example, Andersson noted, Finland has continually stressed the importance of ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches the people of Gaza.
"But as long as the war continues on such a large and intensive scale, it will be impossible for humanitarian aid to reach its destination. It also means that civilian casualties will continue to mount. That is why this call for a ceasefire is important," Andersson said.
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