Finland’s main opposition decries government’s stance on Gaza, urges Palestinian state recognition
Finland’s leading opposition party has denounced the government’s approach to the ongoing Israeli genocidal war on Gaza, emphasizing the necessity for clear foreign policy actions, notably the “crucial” recognition of the State of Palestine.
“All countries, including Finland, must be prepared to do everything they can and ought to do to end the suffering and bloodshed in [West Asia],” Social Democratic Party leader Antti Lindtman told public broadcaster YLE.
France and Saudi Arabia will co-host the meeting on Palestinian recognition during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 22.
Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom have also said they plan to recognize Palestine, joining nearly 150 countries that already have.
Israel and the United States have expressed strong disapproval of nations that are opting to recognize Palestine, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio labeling France’s declaration as a “reckless decision” that “merely aids Hamas propaganda.”
Rubio has subsequently declared that the administration of US President Donald Trump will refuse and rescind visas for Palestinian officials prior to the UN General Assembly in New York.
Finland is projected to endorse a declaration on Palestine, spearheaded by France and Saudi Arabia, at the United Nations event in New York later this month.
Nonetheless, the government continues to be split regarding the decision to sign the declaration, as the right-wing Finns Party and the conservative Christian Democrats have voiced opposing opinions on Finland’s position.
Lindtman characterized the joining of the declaration as a favorable step in the direction of recognizing Palestine, noting that the declaration highlights recognition as a fundamental aspect of reaching peace and establishing a so-called two-state solution.
He pointed out, however, that signing the declaration does not automatically equate to recognizing a Palestinian state, which is still a choice for each country to make on its own.
“It’s not good for Finland to send an unclear message on such a crucial issue, especially while people in the Gaza Strip are suffering at this very moment,” Lindtman said.
The top Finnish diplomat added that consistent foreign policy positions serve Finland’s national interest.
President Alexander Stubb has previously stated that he would endorse the recognition of Palestine should the government choose to propose it.
According to Lindtman, the Social Democrats intend to challenge the government through an interpellation if Finland does not recognize Palestine.
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