Opposition parties to jointly demand Finnish parliament reconvene over Helsinki Garden scandal

Opposition parties in Finland plan to jointly request that the speaker of parliament convene an extraordinary session during the summer recess due to unresolved questions surrounding the Helsinki Garden project, public broadcaster Yle reports.

The parties held discussions on Thursday and intend to submit the formal request shortly. Speaker Jussi Halla-aho previously told Yle he was awaiting an official request before considering the move.

Opposition lawmakers have publicly called for the recess to be interrupted over uncertainties tied to the preparation of a €35 million conditional investment grant for the Helsinki Garden development. While interrupting a parliamentary recess is rare, a speaker-initiated recall at the opposition’s request would be even more unusual.

Halla-aho has said the threshold for reconvening parliament may be met. The final decision rests with the speaker.

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said on Wednesday in Yle’s A-Studio program that he is prepared to face a confidence vote even during the summer break.