In addition to the Prime Minister urging residents to vaccinate against Covid Sanna MarinThe SDP’s New Year’s message emphasized Finland’s possibility of applying for membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
As Russia urged the Western Union to stop expanding to the east, Marin emphasized the debate, saying: "Finland still retains the opportunity to apply for NATO membership."
"We should cherish this freedom of choice and ensure that it remains a reality, as it is part of every country’s right to decide on its own security policy."
He also said that Finland would continue to intensify European security and defense co-operation.
"It is one of the foundations of European security enshrined in the OSCE Principles. We have shown that we have learned from the past. We will not let go of our room for maneuver."
Last month, President Sauli Niinistö said that NATO membership is between the applicant and NATO – not Russia, which Finland will retain "option" join an alliance.
PM: “If you haven’t been vaccinated, now is the time”
Marin pointed out that the pandemic was not over yet and urged residents to take their Covid vaccine, saying the Omicron variant was "cause for great concern."
"If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, now is the time. Vaccination is a responsible act and a way to protect yourself, your loved ones and society as a whole. By getting vaccinated, you can prevent our healthcare system from being overloaded. It is about solidarity," he said.
He said that the management of the Finnish pandemic will continue to be balanced.
"We must be able to protect people’s health and avoid overburdening the healthcare system, while keeping society as open as possible."
In the wake of the county council election this month, Marin urged people to make sure they vote for new bodies to take responsibility for organizing health and social services in the country.
"In provincial elections, people decide on basic services that are important for everyday life," he said.