In a rare interview with Helsingin Sanomat, legal scholar Kaarlo Tuori expressed concern over the Parliament’s Constitutional Law Committee’s actions, stating they threaten the rule of law in Finland. The committee’s recent stance on a border security act bill could allow the government to disregard human rights obligations in the name of national security.
Tuori warned that Finland is at risk of following the path of Hungary and Poland, where rule of law deteriorated due to political interference in the constitutional review process. He highlighted the importance of an independent oversight body, such as the Constitutional Law Committee, in upholding constitutional limits on parliamentary power and ensuring compliance with international obligations.
The committee’s controversial position on the bill has raised concerns among legal experts and international bodies, questioning the government’s commitment to human rights and the rule of law. Tuori criticized the chairperson of the committee for prioritizing government proposals over legal principles, leading to a decline in respect for human rights during this electoral term.
The politicization of the committee and the suppression of dissenting voices within opposition parties have sparked debate over the credibility of Finland’s constitutional review process. Tuori urged for a return to impartiality and respect for legal expertise to uphold the rule of law in the country.