Sources revealed that Finland’s western neighbor hoped that the decision-makers here would consider a strategy more in line with their own strategy, which would exclude strict security measures to allow citizens the freedom to make their own choices.
Although the policies pursued by both countries initially had similar features, Finnish politicians took the country dramatically in the opposite direction in mid-March, while Sweden continued to repeal strict restrictions elsewhere in Europe.
The Swedes allegedly contacted the Finnish authorities several times in March, even expressing concern about the decision to impose travel restrictions on Uusimaa. No sources were named in the memo.
Sweden’s coronavirus policy has been the subject of strong international criticism and has one of the highest deaths in Europe. Last week, the Scandinavian nation passed a new law under which the government can set a lock.
Tahira Sequeira
Helsinki Times