Finns Party MPs failed to declare Philip Morris-funded trip

By admin On May 21, 2025

Finns party members Petri Huru and Vilhelm Junnila said they “forgot” to disclose a lobbying trip to Switzerland paid for by tobacco company Philip Morris. Photo: Roni Rekomaa / Str / Lehtikuva

Two Members of Parliament from the Finns Party did not disclose a lobbying trip to Switzerland paid for by tobacco company Philip Morris, according to a report by MTV News.

Vilhelm Junnila and Petri Huru took part in the trip in December 2024. Under Finnish law, MPs must declare any gifts or travel worth more than €400. The MPs told MTV they “forgot” to submit the required disclosure. They estimated the value of the trip at around €2,000 per person.

The trip included a visit to Philip Morris’ research facility in Neuchâtel, where participants were introduced to smokeless tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches. Junnila’s spouse also attended the visit. She works for the Finns Party’s parliamentary group.

The omission raises concerns about transparency and adherence to international health standards. Reetta Honkanen, a senior specialist at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, told MTV that such trips violate an agreement Finland has ratified with the World Health Organization. The WHO treaty prohibits interaction between public health policy and the commercial interests of the tobacco industry.

In 2023, the WHO issued a statement warning about what it called “manipulative tactics” by tobacco companies, citing the use of medical education programmes to influence healthcare professionals. Philip Morris has been linked to several such initiatives promoting smoking cessation through its own branded alternatives.

Junnila holds the position of deputy chair on Parliament’s Constitutional Affairs Committee. Huru sits on committees for environment, transport, and communications. Neither MP has indicated whether they will now submit the required declaration retroactively.

Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi