Niinistö Responds to Marin’s Book Claim: ‘I Have No Recollection’
President Sauli Niinistö has responded to claims made by former Prime Minister Sanna Marin in her new book. Marin suggests that she became speechless during a discussion about Finland’s NATO accession process. Niinistö, however, stated, “I have no recollection” of such an exchange.
Sanna Marin’s Reflections
In her book titled *Toivo on tekoja*, Marin indicates that the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, marked the end of Finland’s traditional policy of military non-alignment. She recalls a key moment in her communications with Niinistö during the initial negotiations.
Surprising Reaction
Marin describes her concern when she contacted Niinistö to share her insights about the situation. She expected a more engaged response regarding Finland’s security stance. Instead, she noted that Niinistö pointed out that discussions about NATO should be handled by Parliament. Marin remarked that this response left her truly speechless.
Niinistö’s Counterpoints
Niinistö has firmly rejected Marin’s portrayal of the conversation. He emphasized that on February 27, 2022, during a video conference of the parliamentary security and defense committee, he clearly expressed the pressing issue of military alignment. The President believes all parties were in agreement on the necessity of involving Parliament in this significant decision.
Importance of Parliamentary Involvement
Niinistö has consistently highlighted the role of Parliament in matters related to NATO and security policy throughout his presidency. He reiterated that he had always been under the impression that there was unanimous support for this direction.
- Date of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine: February 24, 2022
- Key event in discussion: February 27, 2022, video conference
- Marin’s book title: *Toivo on tekoja*
As the debate continues, both leaders emphasize the importance of a united front in addressing Finland’s security challenges in the current geopolitical landscape. The conversation surrounding Finland’s NATO membership remains pivotal for the nation’s future security strategy.
