Henriksson denies allegations regarding nicotine pouch factory in Pietarsaari
European Parliament member Anna-Maja Henriksson (R.) has stated that it is merely a coincidence that the factory producing nicotine pouches is located in her hometown of Pietarsaari, Finland. She emphasizes that there is only one nicotine pouch manufacturer in Finland, which happens to be based in her city. Henriksson noted that the matter in question revolves around political negotiations that resulted in an agreement among four parties regarding additional flavors for the products.
The former chair of the Swedish People’s Party (RKP) defended her former special assistant and has not taken personal responsibility for the allegations. “I don’t feel like I’ve done anything illegal. If the police wish to investigate, I am open to that,” Henriksson told Yle Österbotten in an interview.
The complaint against her former special assistant, Anna Abrahamsson, was filed by Timo Nurminen, CEO of Valo Sweden. Nurminen claims that Abrahamsson abused her position by favoring the Pietarsaari-based Habit Factory during last spring’s budget negotiations. Henriksson expressed regret that Abrahamsson was dragged into the situation, stating that the assistant always acted according to her instructions.
Previously, a version of the new tobacco law allowed for six specific flavors of nicotine pouches. Nurminen finds it concerning that Habit Factory produces these flavors, suggesting Henriksson was biased in her support. This draft law has since been removed from consideration, with a revised proposal now only permitting two flavors.
Henriksson urged Nurminen to focus his frustrations on the Social Affairs and Health Ministry rather than Abrahamsson, asserting that RKP aims to combat the gray economy and increase tax revenues in Finland. She added that the RKP’s preferred version of the law included more flavors suitable for adults. There has also been speculation that the list of six flavors originated from Habit Factory, which Henriksson confirmed, saying the party learned about the flavors through discussions with various companies.