The Social Democratic Party of Finland has radically changed its position on the recognition of Palestine. The question of Palestine’s status has once again come to the fore following reports that France announced its recognition of the Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September.
Most Finnish parties, including the Greens, the Left Alliance, the SDP and the Movement Now (Liike Nyt), are in favour of the early recognition of Palestine as an independent state. A Yle survey showed a change in the SDP’s position: while in the spring they believed that recognition of Palestine should happen “at some stage,” they now insist on “immediate action.”
There is also support for the recognition of Palestine among the parties of the ruling coalition government, including the National Coalition Party and the Swedish People’s Party. However, they are not prepared to act as quickly as the parties mentioned above.
Among the parties that oppose recognition are the Christian Democrats and the True Finns party, which is significantly slowing down the process within the government.
The discussion intensified after France’s announcement of its recognition of Palestine.
Finnish media reported that Finnish foreign policy authorities are in favour of joint action with other comparable countries on this issue. Finland plans to participate in a conference in New York aimed at promoting a two-state solution. The country will be represented at the conference by State Secretary Jukka Salovaara.
“Finland supports the two-state solution as the only sustainable way to ensure the rights and security of Israelis and Palestinians. It is important that the international community continues to work actively to strengthen the conditions for peace and stability in the Middle East,” Salovaara said in a government statement.
