Speaker Jussi Halla-aho at the plenary session of Parliament in Helsinki on 4 June 2025. Photo: Emmi Korhonen / Lehtikuva
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Finland’s Parliament has voted to extend the temporary pushback law, allowing border authorities to block asylum applications at the eastern frontier under exceptional circumstances. The law will now remain in force until the end of 2026.
In a plenary vote on 4 June, 168 members of Parliament supported the extension, with 29 voting against and two absent. The vote mirrored party divisions seen during the original approval of the law in summer 2023.
The legislation grants Finnish authorities the power to temporarily suspend the reception of asylum claims at the border, primarily in response to attempts at instrumentalised migration. Under the law, border agents may turn back individuals attempting to cross into Finland from Russia, without accepting asylum applications or allowing appeal.
Proponents argue the law strengthens national security and responds to potential hybrid threats. Critics say it undermines international obligations and the right to seek asylum.
The ruling coalition parties, the National Coalition Party (Kokoomus), Finns Party (Perussuomalaiset), Christian Democrats, and Swedish People’s Party (RKP), largely backed the measure. Only Eva Biaudet of the RKP voted against it.
Opposition came mostly from the Greens and Left Alliance, with both parties voting unanimously against the extension. Six members of the Social Democratic Party also broke ranks and voted against: Matias Mäkynen, Johan Kvarnström, Nasima Razmyar, Krista Kiuru, Timo Harakka, and Elisa Gebhard.
The Centre Party (Keskusta) supported the extension without dissent. The single representative from Liike Nyt, Harry Harkimo, and independent MP Timo Vornanen also voted in favour.
While the law has drawn criticism from legal experts and human rights organisations, the government maintains it is a necessary tool in protecting Finland’s external borders.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
