MP Timo Soini sparks controversy with plans for EU election stunt

True Finns leader may run in elections and not take seat if he wins

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A group of legal experts have denounced the idea put forward by populist True Finns MP Timo Soini that he might run for the European Parliament in next year’s elections, and not take up his seat, even if he wins it.
      On Sunday, Soini said in an interview with Apila, the online publication of the Centre Party, that he is considering running for the European Parliament and then refusing to take his seat if he wins.
      Tuesday’s late edition tabloid Ilta-Sanomat wrote that the entire five-member Parliamentary group of the True Finns might take part in the stunt.
      The aim of Soini’s action would be to protest the way in which the EU is pushing its Lisbon Treaty. Ireland rejected the treaty in a referendum in June and on Friday it was revealed that Ireland would hold a new referendum.
     
Experts in constitutional law are not enthusiastic about Soini’s protest idea. “People run in elections in order to get elected”, said Professor Kaarlo Tuori.
      “This does not display much political morality”, says Tuori, saying that the idea seems to show contempt for the democratic process.
      Professor Emeritus Antero Jyränki agrees.
      “An unusual arrangement. These kinds of movements hurt the credibility of the political system”, he says.
      He points out that there are already many voices that are critical of the EU working inside the European Parliament, and suggests that the True Finns could work there.
     
Soini admitted on Tuesday to Helsingin Sanomat that the stunt would not win him points for style. The idea would be to draw attention to his contention that neither does the EU itself.
      “The European Union is showing contempt for democracy here. The prime ministers of Europe are clowning with democracy”, Soini says.
      Soini rejects the idea of going into the European Parliament to criticise the EU.
      “I have a mission at home. I can’t lead the party from Brussels.”
      Soini’s “mission” is to turn the True Finns into a medium-sized party in Parliamentary elections.
      The possible protest candidacy will be decided in February.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Right wing populist True Finns Party facing fundamental questions (15.10.2008)

Helsingin Sanomat