Russian attack Marin: The parties will discuss the situation in Ukraine tomorrow and also Finland’s possible membership in NATO – “I fully understand that the view of many Finns has changed”

Policy|The Russian attack

Parliamentary parties will meet tomorrow Tuesday to discuss Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the prime minister said Sanna Marin (sd) at a press conference. Marin estimates that the parties will also discuss Finland’s possible NATO membership.

According to HS, the parliamentary assembly will begin at 4.30 pm in Parliament.

“As for the debate on Finland’s alliance or non-alliance, there will also be a parliamentary debate on this. At tomorrow’s meeting, we will go through this situation together, and we will certainly discuss this issue as well, ”Marin answered the question of whether he thinks Finland’s NATO membership should be promoted.

Marin said the issue would come to Parliament for consideration and discussion also because of the citizens’ initiative. The initiative calls for a referendum on applying for NATO membership.

After the press conference, Marin clarified on Twitter that Tuesday’s parliamentary meeting “will not include a broader discussion of Finland’s line on the relationship to military alliance or non-alignment”. He addedthat the views of the parties should be heard on this issue precisely because of the citizens’ initiative coming to Parliament.

Mightily In a poll published on Monday, more than half of Finns were in favor of applying for NATO membership.

“I also fully understand that the question of many Finns about NATO membership has changed or is changing since Russia started military action against Ukraine. This is understandable, ”Marin said.

The Prime Minister estimates that the change in Finnish positions has been influenced by two issues.

“First, what is the border beyond which Russia has gone, what is the border beyond which Russia would not go. The second question is whether Russia is crossing a border, whether we are alone or with others. ”

Marin did not want to open up whether the SDP or himself had begun to support NATO membership.

“As Prime Minister, I will refrain from responding to my personal position. It is my job to ensure that we have the opportunity for parliamentary debate and that the leadership of the state is in agreement when we deal with this issue. ”