Finland’s potential membership in NATO has been a topic of discussion for years, and it appears that the country is now closer than ever to joining the military alliance. The country’s long border with Russia has caused concern among some Finns, who see NATO membership as a way to increase security and stability in the region.
The Social Democratic Party, led by Prime Minister Sanna Marin, has been pushing for NATO membership since last year, and it appears that all major political parties in Finland support the move. This is a significant shift from the past when some parties were hesitant to join NATO out of fear of provoking Russia.
As the country prepares for elections, the question of whether to join NATO is likely to be a major issue. The recent opinion poll showing the National Coalition, Social Democrats, and the Finns Party neck and neck in popularity suggests that the decision could be a close one.
However, despite the political competition, all parties seem to agree on the issue of NATO membership. According to Theodora Helimäki, a doctoral candidate studying voting behavior at the University of Helsinki, “there is very little opposition to NATO membership among the political parties in Finland.”
The fact that 76% of Finns were in favor of joining NATO, according to a poll by the broadcasting company YLE in May, suggests that the public is also largely supportive of the move. This could be due to concerns about Russia’s actions in Ukraine and elsewhere, as well as a desire to be part of a larger alliance that can provide security and support in the event of a conflict.
At the same time, there are concerns about the potential implications of NATO membership. Some worry that it could lead to increased tensions with Russia, while others are concerned about the financial and logistical costs of joining the alliance. There are also questions about the impact on Finland’s traditionally neutral stance in foreign affairs.
Despite these concerns, it appears that Finland is moving towards NATO membership. If the Social Democratic Party is successful in the upcoming elections, the country will likely move forward with the membership process. This could have significant implications for the region and Finland’s role in international affairs.
Source: Aljazeera
