Keskisarja skips Independence Day celebrations for 612 event in Helsinki

Teemu Keskisarja, a member of the Finnish Parliament from the Finns Party, has announced that he will not attend the traditional Independence Day celebrations at the presidential palace. Instead, he plans to speak at the 612 event in Töölöntori, Helsinki, and will also take part in the accompanying torchlit procession. He shared his decision in a publication, outlining multiple reasons for his choice.

In his statement, Keskisarja provided a list of ten points, emphasizing that he does not believe he deserves any kind of reception for his actions as a parliament member. He further expressed his belief that the torch procession is moving in a more positive direction compared to the official greeting line. Details about his address can also be found on the official website of the 612 event.

The 612 torch procession, first held in 2014, has garnered attention from law enforcement on Independence Day due to its association with far-right and nationalist groups. In previous years, activists from the “Helsinki Without Nazis” movement have attempted to disrupt the procession.