Perussuomalaiset minister survives no-confidence motion

Minister of Economic Affairs of the newly formed alliance government Vilhelm Junnila on Wednesday survived a no-confidence motion in the parliament brought against him by three opposition parties over his links to far-right groups.

Junnila, the leader of radical rightist Perussuomalaiset (Finns Party), the second largest component of the four-party government survived the motion brought by the Suomen Sosialidemokraattinen Puolue (Social Democratic Party of Finland-SDP), Vihreä Liitto (Green League) and Vasemmistoliito (Left Alliance).

Junnila won the motion by 95 votes to 86 with three abstentions and 15 lawmakers remaining absent.

Seven lawmakers of the ruling Suomenruotsalainenkansanpuolue (Swedish People’s Party of Finland-RKP) also cast votes against the minister while two other lawmakers of the party remained absent.

Junnila joked about his election number referencing 'Heil Hitler', campaigned at an election under the "gas" slogan and spoke at least one event organised by a far-right group.