On Wednesday, Finland’s left-wing opposition parties caused a stir by organizing an unexpected press conference to criticize the right-wing and far-right governing parties, particularly the parliament’s Social and Health Committee.
The controversy revolves around the “Disability Services Act,” which was initially set to take effect at the beginning of October. This legislation aims to enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities by ensuring their access to necessary services and support.
Although it was passed in 2022, the Finnish government is postponing its implementation by one year and three months, sparking outrage among opposition members.
According to Kirsta Kiuru, a Social Democrat MP and chairwoman of the Social Security Committee, the new Disability Services Act would have expanded disabled individuals’ access to personal assistance, potentially preventing human rights violations that Finland faced criticism for in 2018.
Kiuru stated at the press conference, “It would have guaranteed better realization of disabled people’s rights to personal assistance and prevented the continuation of these human rights violations.”
In their press release, opposition members strongly condemned the government and accused Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s right-wing coalition of acting in a manner “unprecedented and contrary to the principles of parliamentarianism.”
Social Democratic MP Ilmari Nurminen, speaking on behalf of the opposition, emphasized the significance of the law and their concerns about its handling. They questioned the haste with which the matter was addressed, their lack of input, and the inadequate information provided.
The opposition members also sought clarity on whether certain aspects of the law could be implemented sooner, especially concerning children’s rights.
However, Committee vice-chair Mia Laiho, a coalition member, expressed puzzlement at the opposition’s criticism, stating, “The committee’s work proceeded exactly as it should. Normal parliamentary procedures were followed, and I have no concerns about that at all,” as reported by Finnish media.