Minister of Social Affairs and Health Kaisa Juuso at a press conference in Helsinki. Photo: Mikko Stig / Lehtikuva
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Finland’s Minister of Social Affairs and Health Kaisa Juuso has condemned a social media post by her parliamentary assistant describing welfare recipients as “losers” who “deserve poverty,” but said she would not dismiss him over the comments.
The post, written by Mikko Talso during May Day celebrations, appeared in a Facebook discussion group focused on the city of Vaasa.
In the message, Talso lashed out at recipients of welfare benefits, suggesting that those struggling financially were at fault for their circumstances.
“No one in Finland dies of hunger, Kela takes care of that. If you don’t get food, that’s your own stupidity! I say this because you losers who’re waiting for support with your hand outstretched without getting your ass out of that chair, you deserve your poverty,” he wrote.
Kela is the national agency responsible for distributing welfare payments and other social benefits in Finland.
Following widespread public criticism, Talso attempted to clarify the comments, saying he had been referring only to what he called the “ideologically unemployed.” He said the post was written in response to an opinion article in the regional newspaper Ilkka-Pohjalainen that described growing bread lines in western Finland.
“In retrospect, I could have made it clearer that I was referring specifically to the ideologically unemployed. I regret this,” Talso said.
The backlash prompted a response from Juuso two days later. In a message to Iltalehti, she described her assistant’s post as “undeniably unpleasant and unsuccessful,” and said she would not tolerate such conduct.
“I will go over the matter carefully with Talso. We will have a serious discussion,” Juuso said. “However, terminating the employment relationship because of one mistake would be unreasonable.”
Juuso, who has served as Minister of Social Affairs and Health since 2023, was appointed as part of the current right-wing coalition government led by Prime Minister Petteri Orpo. She represents the Finns Party, which has drawn criticism over its rhetoric on immigration and welfare issues.
The incident has added to political tensions around social policy in Finland. Opposition politicians have called for stronger accountability over statements made by public officials and their aides. Some social media users have urged Talso to resign, saying his views undermine the dignity of welfare recipients.
No formal disciplinary action has been announced. Talso has not responded further to public calls for clarification or apology.
HT
- Next Article Orpo defends tax cuts and pension fund borrowing
Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
