As reported by all the Finnish newspapers, but described in the most poignant way by daily Turun Sanomat, Finnish politicians once again received Putin like royalty. Whereas the ordinary folks see a large gap between Putin and democracy, Finland's leadership fails to do so. PM Matti Vanhanen mentioned that "Russia has its own type of democracy". Political researchers in the Finnish Alexander Institute completely disagree with this view. According to them, the Finnish PM would do well to insists on democracy and cite Russian problems publicly. Vanhanen's statement is like from the Kreml's own ideologues, they say.
What is so worrying about all this is that behind the thin smokescreen of special Russian democracy, Putin is actually working against human rights. Democracy is getting thinner and thinner each day. Wealthy aspiring politicians end up behind the bars and journalists end up dead. PM Vanhanen doesn't worry about them - Putin visists Finland again and again. The most disgusting thing in all this is that the Finnish leaders see themselves as defenders of human rights and former peace activists, including Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja and President Tarja Halonen. Elsewhere in the world, notably in the case of Israel, they have been quick to bring up their - unwanted, as one might add - pro human rights opinions.
Why no end to their hypocrisy? Why is Putin being hosted like royalty? What does Finland gain from all this? Are Finland's politicians accountable to Finnish public, who sees the contradiction?
posted by Emilia.kk @ 12:56 PM
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