Riikka Purra

On 5 July 2023, Purra announced the nomination of Wille Rydman as the new Minister of Economic Affairs.[9] The decision was controversial. Before the nomination MP Rydman had been a member of the Finns Party only for a half a year, representing before that prime minister Petteri Orpo's NCP. Rydman was in 2022 subjected to allegations of sexual misconduct by a number of women from his earlier life. The allegations lead NCP leader Orpo to practically denounce Rydman. [10]

Rydman's nomination was due to the unexpected resignation of the previous economic affairs minister, Vilhelm Junnila, who stepped down after just ten days in office. Junnila's departure was triggered by a scandal involving his alleged association with far-right groups, leading to a no-confidence motion.[11] The swift downfall of Junnila created a turbulent political climate, intensifying the scrutiny and attention surrounding Rydman's appointment.[12]

On 10 July, Purra's online comments written in 2008 prior to her political career to Jussi Halla-aho's Scripta blog emerged in the media. In the comments, using the username riikka, she frequently used the word "neekeri" and used otherwise racist and derogatory language such as "mocha dick" and "Turkish monkey" while describing being sexually harassed in public by men of immigrant background.[13][14] She wrote about a confrontation on a suburban train with a group of young immigrants: "If they gave me a gun, there'd be bodies on a commuter train, you see."[15][16] On one post she asked if anyone in the "Netsit"[lower-alpha 1] community was up for "spitting on beggars and beating nigger children today in Helsinki?"[14][17][18] Additionally, she described "the sound darker males make when they pass you by" as "not whistling (that would be too obvious) but a hiss between the teeth," adding, "The more eager Abdullah is, the more saliva comes with it."[19]

Purra originally refused to confirm whether she was behind the nickname and also said that she had no intention of resigning or regretting her past actions.[20] However, after the comments were condemned by some representatives from the ruling parties and President Sauli Niinistö had called for the government to adopt a clear zero-tolerance stance on racism, Purra apologized for the comments.[21] Purra also stated that some of the expressions used were inside humor.[22]

Soon after, Purra's newer writings from 2019 started to circulate in social media, in which she referred to women in burqa as "unrecognizable black sacks only recognizable as human by the small humans they're usually pulling after themselves" in context of criticizing the clothing practice as dehumanizing. Prime Minister Orpo called an excerpt from the writings unacceptable, but considered that Purra's earlier apology was enough.[23] Orpo later clarified that he considers the writings to advocate for women's rights.[24]

By 13 July 2023, all opposition parties had demanded that Speaker of the Parliament Jussi Halla-aho, who belongs to the same party as Purra Riikka, would recall parliament from summer break to hold a vote of confidence in Purra.[25] On 15 July, Halla-aho responded by stating that the matter wasn't urgent enough to recall parliament.[26]

The controversies received significant global media attention, connecting far-right extremism, Nazism and racism associations to the government. Finnish business sector expressed worries about the impact of the racism debate in Finland, which could potentially harm its international reputation that had already faced negative publicity because of the Junnila case. Main concerns of CEO Jaakko Hirvola from Technology Industries of Finland and CEO Mikael Pentikäinen from Yrittäjät, a national advocacy organisation of small and medium-sized enterprises were export opportunities, and Finland's appeal as an investment destination and a welcoming place for employees.[27]

Editor in chief of Tekniikka&Talous Harri Junttila called the Finns Party reactionary and accused it of destroying Finnish export sector competiveness.[28]

Professor in communication studies Anu Kantola from the University of Helsinki voiced concern about Finland potentially being associated with Eastern European conservative states. She highlighted that the controversies surrounding ministers in Orpo's recent government, involving racism and far-right connections, offer a compelling narrative for international media. In her view, this narrative contradicts Finland's previous liberal image and has the potential to portray the country negatively.[29]

In contrast, Purra received strong support from her party.[30] and Prime Minister Orpo.[31] According to a survey by Helsingin Sanomat involving party district leaders, every leader contacted expressed the view that Purra's actions did not warrant criticism. Marko Mustonen, chairman of the Finns Party's Kainuu district, believed the media's reporting to be an attempt to disrupt the government. He summarized the sentiment shared by many district leaders, stating: "The support for Purra remains strong and unwavering. Riikka is a good person, a good minister, and a strong and capable leader."[30] The Helsingin Sanomat survey reached out to twelve party district chairmen out of sixteen.

According to a survey conducted between 14 and 19 July 2023, 47% thought that Purra should resign, while 40% thought that she shouldn't.[32]

Purra also wrote on Scripta that she hoped a 17-year-old girl would take responsibility for being sexually assaulted after fainting from alcohol intoxication, and that it "taught the girl a lesson" as the girl in question was among Romani men.[33]