Finland's prime minister apologised to citizens of Japan, China and South Korea after three Finns Party politicians posted images making a derogatory squinting gesture linked to a recent Miss Finland controversy. Petteri Orpo condemned the posts as offensive and said they contradict Finland's values of equality and inclusion. The incident has led to paused media collaborations in Japan and reputational damage for Finnair, while the Finns Party prepares to discuss potential sanctions.
Finland PM Issues Apology After MPs' Racist 'Squint' Gestures Spark Backlash From Japan, China and South Korea
'I offer my sincere apologies for the recent offensive social media posts done by individual MPs,' said Petteri Orpo (Heikki Saukkomaa)(Heikki Saukkomaa/LEHTIKUVA/AFP)
Finland's prime minister issued a formal apology on Wednesday to the people of Japan, China and South Korea after three members of parliament posted photos of themselves making a derogatory squinting gesture widely seen as racist toward East Asian people.
The parliamentarians belong to the populist Finns Party, a partner in Finland's right‑wing coalition government. They said the images were shared in apparent support of 2025 Miss Finland Sarah Dzafce, who was stripped of her title last week after posting a similar photo in November.
"I offer my sincere apologies for the recent offensive social media posts done by individual MPs," Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said in statements published by Finland's embassies in Japan, China and South Korea.
Orpo added that the posts "do not reflect Finland's values of equality and inclusion" and stressed that "racism and discrimination have no place in Finnish society." The prime minister's office told AFP it wanted to make clear the trio's behaviour "does not represent Finland's position."
Public broadcaster Yle reported that a Finnish television production company paused collaborative projects in Japan following the controversy, and national carrier Finnair said the incident had harmed its brand reputation.
The three politicians involved are MP Kaisa Garedew, MP Juho Eerola and MEP Sebastian Tynkkynen. Their reactions have differed: Eerola apologised for his post; Tynkkynen said the gesture was not intended to offend; and Garedew told local media she did not believe an apology was necessary.
The Finns Party's parliamentary group is due to meet to consider possible sanctions against the MPs. The episode adds to a string of controversies since the Finns Party joined government in 2023, including earlier inflammatory remarks from other party members about immigration.
Context: The incident has diplomatic and commercial repercussions, highlighting how actions by individual politicians can affect international relations and national brands.
