Finance Minister quits over €50,000 controversial bills

Finance Minister Katri Kulmuni resigned on Friday following a controversy raised over a service procurement of about EUR 50,000 from a communications consultancy firm.

The minister, also Chair of the Suomen Keskusta (Centre Party of Finland), the second largest component of the five-party alliance government made the announcement of resignation at a press conference in the afternoon.

Kulmuni, however, said she will continue as the Chair of the Suomen Keskusta.

“I have decided that I cannot continue as a member of the government,” Kulmuni read out a written statement at the press conference, adding that she already informed the prime minister in this regard.

She said the Keskusta will elect a new leader for the post of finance minister and deputy prime minister as well within the quickest possible time.

Prime Minister Sanna Marin was informed of Katri Kulmuni’s resignation earlier on Friday, said a government press release.

“I support Katri Kulmuni in her decision, which must certainly have been difficult. I respect her as a person and thank her for her cooperation. Cooperation with the Centre Party will continue in the government,” Marin said.

The prime minister, however, will not comment further on the matter for the time being, the press release added.

Kulmuni made the announcement of resignation after a report published in Demokraatti, a newspaper of the Suomen Sosialidemokraattinen Puolue (Social Democratic Party of Finland-SDP) on Friday, which said the police have launched a probe into Kulmuni’s procurement of services from the private consulting company Tekir which cost about 50,000 euros.

The company, Tekir, operated by communications consultant Harri Saukkomaa, coached Kulmuni in speeches, public appearances and one-on-one interviews.

The invoices for the training services were sent to the finance ministry and the economic affairs and employment ministry.

According to the report, the police said they received two inquiries while four complaints were submitted to the chancellor of justice.