The Finnish social-democratic ruling party is in favor of joining NATO, says Prime Minister and party chairperson Sanna Marin. There is also “strong support” within the parliamentary group for membership in the Western military alliance.
Party chairman Antti Lindtman announced this on Twitter. “After February 24, we must not take the slightest risk of being left alone with Russia,” he said, referring to the start date of the Russian attack on Ukraine.
Finland is expected to submit the application for membership at the same time as neighboring Sweden. The Swedish Social Democratic ruling party is expected to give the green light for this on Sunday, after which the parliament in Stockholm will debate it a day later.
President Sauli Niinisto and Prime Minister Marin of Finland already approved the move on Thursday. A position of the government will follow on Sunday, after which parliament will make a statement on Monday. With the yes of the social democrats there is broad support. Niinisto briefed Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday about plans to join the alliance.
Russia sees step as a threat
Finland was against joining NATO for a long time, but this has quickly changed due to the aggression of its large neighboring country, including among the population. Finland shares a border of about 1,300 kilometers with Russia.
The country assumes that NATO countries already offer protection before membership is officially complete, as Russia “absolutely” sees the move as a threat and has warned of military and political consequences. Russian electricity exports have been halted this weekend.
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