Finnish Prime Minister apologizes for MPs mimicking Asians
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has apologized for photographs showing members of the right-wing party "True Finns" mimicking Asians by pulling back the corners of their eyes on social media. The incident sparked criticism as it was seen as an act of racism and discrimination.
Source The New York Times
Orpo emphasized that such posts do not reflect Finnish societal values, where racism and discrimination have no place. The Prime Minister’s apology was published on the social media accounts of Finnish embassies in Japan, China, and South Korea. Politicians explained that their actions aimed to support former Miss Finland Sarah Dzafce, who lost her title over similar accusations of racism linked to a comparable photo.
This incident highlights the importance of cultural respect and shows a societal commitment to combating discrimination, potentially influencing future political conduct regarding ethical standards.