Finnish deputy ombudsman dismisses complaint over Tampere mayor’s remarks on far-right groups

Finland’s deputy parliamentary ombudsman has rejected a complaint alleging that Tampere Mayor Ilmari Nurminen violated constitutional rights by stating in a Yle interview that violent far-right groups were not welcome in the city, Yle reports.

The complaint, filed by a private individual, claimed Nurminen’s remarks infringed on freedom of assembly, movement, and equality under the constitution. Deputy Ombudsman Mikko Sarja ruled that the mayor’s statements did not break the law, emphasizing that Nurminen had opposed violence—not the right to gather—during the Valkoinen vappu (White May Day) event organized by the far-right Sinimusta liike (Blue-Black Movement) on May 1.

In the May 4 interview, Nurminen told Yle that “radical, violent extremist groups are not welcome in Tampere” and stressed that while protest is a fundamental right, it “must be done peacefully, without masks.” He also noted that city officials would discuss future May Day demonstrations with police to explore alternative locations beyond the city center.

Sarja’s decision, issued May 15, clarified that while municipal law imposes behavioral obligations on elected officials, it does not prohibit them from expressing opinions on societal issues—even contentious ones—provided their statements remain factual and professional in tone. The complaint did not allege factual inaccuracies in Nurminen’s remarks, and Sarja found no grounds for further investigation.

The mayor’s comments followed a May Day event during which an alleged assault occurred. Police are investigating the incident, which involved counter-protesters clashing with Sinimusta liike participants in central Tampere.