Finns with family roots in Karelia are the most sceptical of the idea that the present residents of areas that were ceded to the Soviet Union at the end of the war should be granted Finnish citizenship if the territory were returned to Finland.
According to a poll commissioned by Helsingin Sanomat and conducted by Suomen Gallup, 38% of all respondents took a positive view of the idea that the present residents of the ceded areas would be granted Finnish citizenship and all the rights that go with it immediately after the move.
More than half of respondents either had reservations, or took a completely negative view of such a move.
Those with a positive view of returning Karelia to Finnish control also had a more positive view than average toward the idea of granting Finnish citizenship to the local population.
Young respondents had a more liberal attitude than others on the citizenship issue, with 48% favouring granting Finnish citizenship to the local residents.
There were considerable differences between supporters of different political parties. A majority of supporters of the conservative National Coalition Party - 59% - were opposed to immediately granting citizenship to Karelian residents after a re-annexation. A majority of supporters of the Left Alliance were in favour of such a move.
Figures from the early 1990s indicate that more than 400,000 people lived in the ceded areas. This is approximately the same as the number of Finns who lived there when the Winter War began in 1939.
Respondents were allowed to express their views on issues relating to the present population of Karelia.
The respondents felt that getting the population to adapt to Finnish ways would require much work.
"Pointless daydreaming. Of course, it might be nice from the Karelians' point of view."
"It would be traumatic for the people living in Karelia."
"There are people living there now, and it would be pointless to evict them. Most of those who lived there before are in cemeteries now."
There was some support for the restoration of Karelia without the present Russian population.
"If the present population were to be included, there would be no point in demanding the return of Karelia. Getting Karelia back would be desirable only if it were returned empty."
