Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (NCP) acknowledged on Saturday that recent government decision-making on foreign and security policy has been less than smooth.
At a National Coalition Party meeting in Helsinki, Orpo stated that the decision-making process has not always functioned as it should, referencing recent public disputes within the government.
Tensions have emerged over both economic and foreign policy, and Finnish ministers have not shown a united or coordinated front.
Orpo confirmed that the government will review these issues in the coming days once key ministers return from international engagements. Foreign Trade and Development Minister Ville Tavio (Finns) and Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen (NCP) were attending the UN General Assembly in New York this week.
The row follows reports that Tavio had opted to keep Finland out of a gender equality initiative related to Ukraine’s reconstruction, a decision that drew criticism from President Alexander Stubb.
Additionally, Valtonen faced backlash from governing coalition partners, including the Finns Party and the Christian Democrats, for Finland’s support of a UN resolution calling for Israel to end its occupation of Palestinian territories within a year.
Orpo defended the decision, stating it aligned with Finland’s longstanding policy that the Israeli settlements are illegal.
"We in Finland have long been of the opinion that settlements are illegal. What was voted on here was above all the decision of the International Court of Justice on the illegality of the settlements," Orpo told Yle on Saturday.
Valtonen: Escalation fuels radicalisation
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Valtonen also addressed the escalating crisis in the Middle East, warning that the situation remains highly volatile.
Speaking to Yle on Saturday, Valtonen expressed concern that Israel’s recent airstrike, which reportedly killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut, could lead to broader regional conflict.
She emphasised that moderate Arab nations, particularly Jordan, fear the conflict could fuel further radicalisation in support of Palestinians.
Valtonen also noted signs of increased support for Hezbollah from Iran-backed groups in Iraq, warning of a broader regional terrorism movement.
Finland also joined the US and France this week in calling for a 21-day ceasefire.
According to Valtonen, it would be important to open diplomatic channels to negotiate a stabilisation of the situation in Lebanon and Gaza in particular.
"On the contrary, a wider military escalation could lead to very unpredictable developments," Valtonen told Yle.
The Foreign Ministry continues to monitor the situation and has urged all Finnish nationals to leave Lebanon immediately.