Eveliina Heinäluoma urges reversal of cuts to immigrant language training

Social Democratic MP Eveliina Heinäluoma criticised recent Finnish government budget cuts that reduce funding for integration and language instruction for immigrant parents and their children. She noted a €47 million cut to municipalities’ integration work and a €75 million reduction in the state’s share of basic services, which together limit the ability of cities to provide language courses. Heinäluoma welcomed Minister Sari Essayah’s recent remarks supporting Finnish‑language learning for immigrant families, but warned that the government has so far acted contrary to integration needs. She called on the cabinet to reconsider the cuts in the autumn decision‑making round so that municipalities can restore necessary language‑training services. The cuts have also drawn criticism from the education union OAJ and the Finnish Association of Teachers, who argue the measures will hinder children’s language development and broader school funding.