Finland’s populists flirt with EU referendum

The Debates feature from Euro|Topics offers English (+ French and German) translations of a selections of articles in European news sources on this topic.Several MPs for the Finns Party, previously the True Finns, have called in the summer of 2016 for a referendum on whether the country should remain in the EU. Officially, however, as a member of the ruling coalition the party supports the country's EU policy. Commentators criticise this dual stance and point out that Finland can't afford to leave the EU.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Finland: Supportive, but with a wait-and-see approach http://www.europeansources.info/record/finland-supportive-but-with-a-wait-and-see-approach/

ESO: Background information: Finns want fewer refugees http://www.europeansources.info/record/finns-want-fewer-refugees/

ESO: Background information: Finnish politician declares war on ‘multiculturalism’ http://www.europeansources.info/record/finnish-politician-declares-war-on-multiculturalism/

Helsinki Times, 04.07.16: Sipilä: Balanced and close relationship beneficial for both Britain and EU http://www.helsinkitimes.fi/finland/finland-news/politics/14075-sipilae-balanced-and-close-relationship-beneficial-for-both-britain-and-eu.html

Helsinki Times, 01.07.16: Soini faces criticism after visit to UK http://www.helsinkitimes.fi/finland/finland-news/politics/14071-soini-faces-criticism-after-visit-to-uk.html

Sputnik International, 25.06.16: Over 10,000 Sign Petition to Hold Brexit-Style Referendum in Finland http://sputniknews.com/politics/20160625/1041960724/finland-referendum-eu.html

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