Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo issued a formal apology on December 18, 2025, addressing racially insensitive comments made by members of parliament from the coalition-aligned Finns Party. The apology, distributed through Finnish embassies in China, the Republic of Korea, and Japan, emphasized Finland's commitment to equality amid growing international scrutiny.
The controversy stems from social media posts by three legislators that echoed stereotypes targeting Asians, following the revocation of Sarah Dzafce's Miss Finland 2025 title for similar conduct. Orpo stated: "These remarks contradict our national values. We take racism seriously and will combat it through concrete measures."
Government sources confirm parliamentary group leaders from all four coalition parties unanimously condemned the behavior. The incident has sparked debates about far-right influence in European politics, particularly as the Finns Party remains part of Finland's ruling coalition.
This development comes days after Orpo attended the EU Eastern Flank Summit in Helsinki, where regional security and social cohesion dominated discussions. Observers note the apology aims to preserve Finland's diplomatic relationships in Asia, a key region for technology partnerships and climate initiatives.
