Finnish Russia expert challenges points of Green MP’s speech

Heidi Hautala

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A speech by Heidi Hautala, the chair of the Green Parliamentary Group in which she compared the current state of democracy in Russia with the Tsarist autocracy of the early 20th century, has been sharply criticised by Finnish Russia expert, Markku Kangaspuro, head of research at the Aleksanteri Institute of the University of Helsinki.
      According to Kangaspuro, Hautala’s speech, during a Parliamentary session marking the 100th anniversary of Parliamentary democracy in Finland, indicated a lack of knowledge of Russian history and the present day.
      Kangaspuro was especially critical of Hautala’s suggestion that the powers of the present Duma had deteriorated to the state that they were in before 1905, when all power was with the Tsar.
      "The difference in the social situations during the time of the Tsar and the present day are like that between day and night. And although the establishment of the Duma in 1905 changed the situation considerably, it also cannot be compared with modern Russia."
      The establishment of the Duma was the first time that absolute rule in Russia gave way - to a limited degree - and political parties were allowed to operate, elections were held, and a legislature was elected.
     
On the positive side, Kangaspuro is pleased that the Finnish Greens are concerned about democracy and human rights in Russia.
      Hautala welcomed Kangaspuro’s shared concern about the present situation in Russia. She also revisited the themes of her speech after Kangaspuro’s comments.
      "The best point of comparison for the present situation would seem to be the Duma of 1906-1917, which represented constitutional monarchy, but was made subservient to the whims of Tsar Nikolai II", Hautala pondered on Friday.
     
There was criticism from other Parliamentarians over the timing of the speech, especially considering that the special session was attended by representatives of the present Russian Duma.
      Nevertheless, Seppo Tiitinen, the Secretary-General of the Finnish Parliament, did not feel that any further action on the matter was called for.
      Tiitinen said that it is not his business to assess the political statements of Parliamentary groups, or to ask for apologies.
      Green League chairwoman Tarja Cronberg said that the Parliamentary group might have apologised to representatives of the Duma if Tiitinen had felt it necessary.
      "I might have chosen my words differently, I might not have been so courageous, but I appreciate Heidi’s courage as a politician", Cronberg said.
     
Hautala’s performance was praised as a good political speech by political scientist, Professor Kari Palonen at the University of Jyväskylä, who is also an expert in rhetoric.
      "Hautala is one of the few politicians in Parliament. She also knows how to make use of situations", Professor Palonen said.
      According to Palonen, the speech was also appropriate to the profile of the Greens, who have shown a lack of interest toward superfluous ceremony and institutionalised rituals.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Green MP criticises Russia at centenary celebration of Finnish Parliament (2.6.2006)

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