Far-right symbols and rhetoric appear among teens in Kuopio

Far-right ideology has resurfaced among teenagers in Kuopio, eastern Finland, with some openly displaying extremist symbols and rhetoric in public, local youth services told Yle. The phenomenon, not seen on this scale in the city for years, has prompted concern among officials.

Youth workers first noted the trend this past winter, observing small groups of teens—some as young as 11—wearing skinhead-associated clothing, including combat boots, bomber jackets, and shaved heads. Some have also displayed Nazi symbols like swastikas. While a few told Savon Sanomat they dressed this way to provoke adults or for fun, authorities suspect deeper ideological motivations in others.

Janne Katajisto, head of Kuopio’s youth services, estimates around ten teens are involved, though not all still dress provocatively. “Many have toned it down, but their mindset may remain,” he said. The most extreme cases involve racist language and public harassment, including antisemitic slurs shouted during May Day celebrations.

Police confirm no crimes have been linked to the group, but schools have alerted parents. “We don’t accept this ideology,” Katajisto stressed, urging families to intervene before behavior escalates. Authorities will monitor gatherings this weekend as students celebrate the end of the school year in the city center.