Consensus yet to reach on immigration, climate as govt formation talks continue

The four political parties led by Kansallinen Kokoomus (National Coalition Party-NCP) continued the negotiation talks to form a new government as they are yet to reach a consensus on some key issues such as immigration and climate.

The negotiation talks among the leaders Kokoomus, Perussuomalaiset (Finns Party), Suomenruotsalainenkansanpuolue (Swedish People’s Party of Finland-RKP) and the SuomenKristillisdemokraatit (Christian Democrats of Finland-CD)- continued at the House of Estate for fourth week on Tuesday and expected to take few more days to settle down the disagreements.

Kokoomus leader Petteri Orpo told reporters on Tuesday that the difficult pending issues would be resolved by this week.

He said that the issue of tightening humanitarian-based immigration into Finland will be discussed saying that the international image of Finland will be maintained.

The radical right political party Perussuomalaiset vowed to remain strict to its demands for tightening immigration and relaxed climate policies while RKP expressed opposite views on the issues.

Perussuomalaiset leader Riikka Purra told journalists that her party could not participate in a government that does not significantly tighten immigration policy.

RKP leader Anna-Maja Henriksson said that that differences of opinions among the political parties are clear on the issues.

She also said that there are also differences of opinion on climate issues in addition to immigration.

Earlier in last week, Orpo said that he was expecting a significant progress in the negotiation talks during this week to form a new government.

The four parties started the formal negotiation talks at the House of the Estate on May 2 with the view to form a four-party alliance government.

Earlier on April 27, Kokoomus Chairman Petteri Orpo announced that his party decided to hold official discussions with the radical right political party Perussuomalaiset, RKP and the CD.