Finland government survives parliamentary confidence votes

The Finnish government and Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen have survived parliamentary votes of confidence following criticism of the administration’s Middle East policy. The Social Democratic Party (SDP) led a motion of no confidence against Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s government, citing internal policy inconsistencies regarding the conflict in Gaza. The government secured 93 votes in favor to 62 against.

Separately, a motion of no confidence was tabled against Defense Minister Hakkanen, prompted by his September visit to Israel and Lebanon. Opposition members, including the Green League, criticized the trip for failing to meet with Palestinian representatives and for the perceived ambiguity regarding international law. Hakkanen won his confidence vote with 114 votes to 61, defending the visit as a necessity for Finland’s national security and defense cooperation, specifically regarding the acquisition of the David’s Sling air-defense system.

This marks the 18th motion of no confidence that the Orpo coalition has successfully overcome since its formation in June 2023.