Ambassador Titta Maja-Luoto admits inappropriate behaviour in two situations. Photo: Vesa Moilanen / Lehtikuva
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The Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland has issued a formal written warning to Titta Maja-Luoto, Finland’s ambassador to Portugal, for behaviour that meets the definitions of inappropriate conduct and harassment.
Personnel Director Niina Pesonen made the decision, stating the threshold for dismissal was not met. Maja-Luoto will continue her duties within the ministry, though not in Lisbon. The decision followed a series of internal complaints and an official inquiry.
All embassy staff in Lisbon had signed a harassment complaint in February, later expanded in March. The allegations included repeated harassment, bullying, age discrimination, racist behaviour, and psychological abuse. Staff claimed Maja-Luoto had made threats and displayed aggressive outbursts that caused fear.
Maja-Luoto acknowledged two instances of inappropriate behaviour but contested the broader accusations. She had earlier worked as a director in the ministry’s development policy department, where similar complaints reportedly arose.
The ministry concluded its investigation in late June. The written warning allows Maja-Luoto to remain employed, though Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen has proposed her return to Finland due to what she described as a toxic workplace environment.
The matter will be formally presented to the President of Finland on 1 August. Maja-Luoto has the right to appeal the decision to the Helsinki Administrative Court.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
