SKP censures govt´s austerity measures

The Suomen Kommunistinen Puolue (Communist Party of Finland)- SKP observed its centenary in Helsinki on Saturday.

Addressing the festive concert, party chairperson Juha-Pekka Vaisanen said that the Communist Party of Finland has been inspired with the new initiatives of the Chinese Communist Party.

"The Chinese Communist Party has a new Marxist policy and initiative for a world dialogue. Communist Party of Finland is part of the dialogue and has been participating in thematic meetings," he said.

Vaisanen deplored the societal situation in Finland. He said it has indicated how "neo-liberalism slashes social security and local services".

Vaisanen noted that the cuts made by the current coalition government under Prime Minister Juha Sipilä resemble the politics of a state of emergency.

Vaisanen described the challenge as global. "Replacing capitalism with the establishment of a different society and form of development is more crucial than ever."

"Imperialist wars, climate change, and famine are forcing people from the homes to become refugees and to head for Europe. At the same time racism and fascism are on the increase," he said.

The Communist Party of Finland was established in Moscow in summer 1918 by some leaders of the failed red mutiny and civil war in Finland earlier that year.

In the civil war the Finnish red guards were defeated by the whites supported by a major landing of Imperial German troops that captured Helsinki in April 1918.

The Communist Party of Finland remained illegal in the country until the end of World War II. It has no seats in parliament.