Helsinki Garden project accepts reassessment of state funding

The board of the Helsinki Garden arena project has stated it will accept a reassessment of its state funding decision, following weeks of public criticism that it says has caused significant reputational damage.

In a statement on its website, the board acknowledged that while state support was sought in line with previous national arena projects, it understands the need for public acceptance of the funding. It added that if authorities or the government deem the subsidy decision worthy of re-evaluation, it would respect that outcome.

The board expressed concern over selective use of figures and estimates without context, which it said overshadows the project’s actual goals. It also admitted to some errors and oversights during the process.

The project’s conditional state funding of €35 million has drawn opposition calls for Prime Minister Petteri Orpo to resign. Orpo is scheduled to address the issue on Yle’s A-studio programme Wednesday evening.