Finnish Prime Minister Apologises to East Asia After MPs’ Racist Gesture Sparks Diplomatic Fallout
Finland’s prime minister Petteri Orpo has issued a formal apology to people in Japan, China, and South Korea after a group of Finnish lawmakers caused outrage by posting images widely viewed as racist toward East Asian communities. The incident has sparked domestic criticism and raised concerns about its impact on Finland’s international image and diplomatic ties in Asia.
The controversy erupted after several members of the populist Finns Party, which is part of Finland’s current right wing coalition government, shared photos on social media in which they pulled back the corners of their eyes. The gesture is commonly recognised as a derogatory stereotype directed at East Asians and quickly drew condemnation both within Finland and abroad.
The MPs said they were acting in support of Sarah Dzafce, the 2025 Miss Finland, who was stripped of her title last week after posting a similar image on social media in November. Dzafce’s post had already triggered widespread backlash, prompting organisers to remove her crown and distance the pageant from her actions. The decision by elected officials to repeat the gesture intensified the reaction, with critics accusing them of normalising racism and undermining Finland’s commitment to equality.
In response, Prime Minister Orpo moved swiftly to contain the diplomatic damage. In statements published on the official social media accounts of Finnish embassies in Japan, China, and South Korea on Wednesday, he offered his sincere apologies for the offensive posts made by individual MPs. Orpo stressed that the actions did not reflect Finland’s values and made clear that racism and discrimination have no place in Finnish society.
The apology was notable for its direct outreach to East Asian audiences rather than being limited to a domestic statement. Analysts say this reflects concern within the Finnish government that the incident could harm relations with key partners in Asia, particularly at a time when Finland is seeking to expand trade, technology cooperation, and cultural exchange beyond Europe.
At home, the episode has reignited debate over the role of the Finns Party within government. The party has a history of controversial statements on immigration and identity, and opposition lawmakers argue that the latest incident shows a pattern of behaviour rather than an isolated lapse in judgment. Some have called for clearer consequences for the MPs involved, while others have urged coalition leaders to reassess how such conduct is addressed.
Civil society groups and anti racism organisations in Finland have also criticised the lawmakers, saying the gestures contribute to an environment in which minorities feel targeted and excluded. They argue that public officials have a responsibility to set an example and that dismissing such actions as jokes or gestures of support trivialises real harm.
Internationally, reactions from East Asia have so far been measured, but commentators note that such incidents can leave a lasting impression. While Orpo’s apology was welcomed by many as necessary, some observers say rebuilding trust requires more than words, including clear accountability and education around cultural sensitivity.
The Miss Finland scandal and its political fallout have become a reminder of how quickly domestic controversies can spill onto the global stage. For Finland, a country that often promotes itself as open and inclusive, the challenge now is to ensure that these values are consistently reflected not only in official statements but also in the conduct of its elected representatives.
