Although not all members revealed a reason to leave the party, he estimated it is clear that most of the outgoing members decided to leave because of the cannabis decision. Liikanen also emphasized that the number of outgoing members is low compared to 7,900.
Last weekend, representatives of the Green League voted 183 in favor and 181 against allowing the use, possession and sale of cannabis on a regulated market, making the party the first parliamentary party to ever express support for legalizing the substance in Finland.
However, the decriminalization of cannabis use and possession has been on the party’s agenda for some time.
The decision has apparently raised concerns among believing parties.
“There are strong reasons for selling cannabis in Alko Finland” Osmo Soininvaara, former President of the Green Alliance, wrote on Monday. “I actually agree with the proposal, but I’m afraid it may be politically absurd – or maybe I’m just a political coward.”
Aleksi Teivainen – HT