Activists target Finnish Parliament with vandalism in climate protest

The recent vandalism of the columns at the Finnish Parliament building signifies that activists believe traditional methods are no longer effective, according to experts on civil activism and disobedience interviewed by Yle. However, they caution against jumping to conclusions about whether the act ultimately helps or harms climate activists and their cause.

Activists from Extinction Rebellion and the Swedish group Återställ Våtmarker expressed that their demonstration specifically targets the Finnish state-owned company Neova’s peat production in Sweden and aims to highlight the climate crisis. Tapio Nykänen, an assistant professor at the University of Oulu who studies civil disobedience, noted that while protests at the Parliament are common, this act left visible marks on the structure, an unprecedented move that could resonate deeply with the public.

Boldt points out that the act was visually striking, creating an impression of blood flowing from the Parliament’s steps, potentially triggering a significant emotional response. He emphasized that Extinction Rebellion aims to maximize visibility while disrupting the status quo. Although the presence of Swedish activists was noted, Boldt believes the idea for this exceptional protest originated in Finland.

Both Nykänen and Boldt discussed the continual need for activists to innovate their tactics to capture public attention. They expressed that while the initial reactions to the protest have mostly been negative, such an act could still spark vital discussions on climate change or push for stronger climate actions.

In response to the act, politicians from across the spectrum condemned the vandalism, reflecting a broader discomfort with the disruption of unspoken societal rules. Boldt argues that despite this backlash, Extinction Rebellion has succeeded in bringing attention to a neglected issue in public discourse.