Friday, June 30, 2023

Finland's Economy Minister Resigns after 10 Days over Nazi References

Vilhelm Junnila apologised for his remarks but has now stepped down from his ministerial position | REUTERS

BBC: Finland's new economy minister has resigned after just 10 days in office over remarks he made at a far-right event four years ago.

Vilhelm Junnila, of the nationalist Finns Party, has been accused of making repeated Nazi references.

He apologised and survived a no-confidence vote, but announced his resignation on Friday.

Mr Junnila said he was stepping down so as not to harm the reputation of both the government and Finland.

"I see that it is impossible for me to continue as a minister in a satisfactory way," Mr Junnila added in a statement.

His resignation comes after it emerged he addressed a Nationalist Alliance event in the south-western city of Turku in 2019. » | James Gregory, BBC News | Friday, June 30, 2023