Statements by Erkki Tuomioja about "military psychosis" struck Finns — the politician argued his position on Twitter
Finnish politician Erkki Tuomioja does not believe in the possibility of a "Russian invasion" into the country, Iltalehti reports. But joining NATO may, in his opinion, create tension in Russian-Finnish relations. The politician believes that people who question the need for membership in the Alliance are being unfairly humiliated.
Sanna Heikkilä, Sirri Rimppi
The topic of Finland's accession to NATO is of interest all over the world — including in the United States. The American radio company NPR discussed the issue of Finland's accession to NATO with two deputies: Atte Harjanne (Green Union Party) and Erkki Tuomioja (Erkki Tuomioja, Social Democratic Party).
Journalist Frank Langfitt was interested in the views of politicians on the possibility of a threat from Russia and Finland's accession to NATO. The views of politicians differ greatly.
"The power of the invasion and the scale of what is happening have made many realize that there is an aggressive authoritarian neighbor next door to us," Haryanne said of the threat directed at Finns.
Langfitt recalled the Russian threats in the event of Finland's accession to NATO. According to Haryanne, such a threat existed before.
"The same troops that we were waiting for in the event of Russia's invasion of Finland are now fighting in Ukraine," Haryanne said.
But Tuomioja, in turn, criticized the press, which supports the Finns' sense of fear.
"Fear has settled in us, and the press, in fact, feeds it. Perhaps the press has a kind of psychosis because of the war," Tuomioja said.
In his opinion, joining NATO may create tension in relations between Finland and Russia, but he does not believe in the possibility of a Russian invasion.
"I am also concerned about public discussions. Anyone who questions the need to join NATO is called a Putin agent," says Tuomioja.
The politician justifies his position on Twitter
On April 24, Tuomioja explained on Twitter his statements about psychosis and responded to a torrent of criticism.
"With psychosis, the sense of reality weakens, it is difficult to figure out where the truth is and where it is not," Tuomioja writes on Twitter.
"Russia's special operation in Ukraine is true. In the veracity of everything else that is now actively spreading, it is no longer possible to be so sure. And the desire to talk about alternatives related to NATO membership cannot be called Putinism," he believes.
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Tuomioi is asked from which other defensive alliances Finland could receive guarantees similar to Article 5 of NATO.
"I am against Russia or anyone else restricting our rights in choosing the best path for our security. Now is the time when you need to think carefully about all the consequences, risks, pros and cons," Tuomioja replies on Twitter.
He says that he himself may later join the camp of NATO supporters.
"I just said that the discussions emphasize fears," the politician defends himself.
Tuomioja writes in the thread that people who question the need for Finland to join NATO are unfairly humiliated, including on forums of various publications.
The controversy on Twitter is not abating.
