Being a centrist means taking responsibility, valuing education and culture, and trusting Finnish society. For us, democracy means more than elections and parliamentary majorities. It also depends on independent institutions, a free press, and a vibrant civil society. These are the foundations of a society in which power can be exercised responsibly and those in power can be held to account.
That is why Centre Students will not accept government cooperation with the Finns Party.
– The Finns Party has repeatedly engaged in confrontation with the independent media, researchers, and public debate. When journalists’ work is belittled, research is questioned on political grounds, or civil society organisations’ ability to operate is to be restricted, these are not merely isolated political disagreements. They concern how the importance of democracy and a free society is understood, says Aapeli Rytkönen, Chair of Centre Students.
A free press is not an adversary of those in power; it is a prerequisite for the responsible exercise of power. Research is not an ornament to political decision-making, but a way to understand the world, assess the consequences of decisions, and correct mistakes. Civil society organisations, in turn, give people the opportunity to participate, make an impact, and take responsibility for the common good between elections as well.
Defending these institutions is neither left-wing nor right-wing politics. It is a defence of the democratic rule of law.
– Government cooperation is not an end in itself. Political cooperation requires shared rules and trust that the foundations of democracy will be respected even when they are inconvenient for those in power. The Centre Party must have the courage to set limits on the kinds of cooperation it is willing to enter, says Erich Menlös, a member of the Union Board.
We are not claiming that common ground cannot be found with the Finns Party on individual policy issues. In a parliamentary democracy, issues are resolved across party lines. However, we believe that the Centre Party’s and the Finns Party’s views on the direction of society as a whole and its democratic rules are incompatible in government!
More information:
Aapeli Rytkönen
aapeli.rytkonen(a)kol.fi
+358 45 8413580