Helsingin Sanomat wrote on Wednesday, referring to sources connected to the government, that the ruling coalition could return to the negotiating table after it has overcome its internal crisis of confidence sparked by the actions of the center. However, it is more likely that the negotiations will move to mid-January.
prime minister Sanna Marin (SDP) confirmed at a press conference yesterday that the negotiations on the additional budget containing the support package would have already ended if the center’s “rule violation” had not occurred. The center recently teamed up with opposition parties to remove sections of the government’s new nature conservation law, drawing criticism from the Greens in particular.
“The schedule and content of the negotiations are things we will reveal later,” Marin said.
The negotiations will determine whether the support package is designed to compensate for the increase in energy or fertilizer prices and to what extent it emphasizes the green transition of agricultural companies. According to estimates, the value of the package is around 100–300 million euros.
However, the supplementary budget proposal is scheduled to be submitted to the parliament at the beginning of February.
Yesterday, the government responded to the interpellation of the opposition parties about the crisis of agricultural producers and food security in Finland. Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Antti Kurvinen (Centre) did not mention any support package in his answer, Helsingin Sanomat emphasized.
Also the Minister of Finance Annika Saarikko (The Center) admitted to the media that negotiations on the package have not yet started. He added that the government is unanimous on the need to take steps to help agricultural companies cope with electricity and fertilizer prices.
Minister of the Environment and Climate Maria Ohisalo (The Greens) said that the Center is to blame for delaying the support measures. According to him, the difficulties of agricultural companies have not completely disappeared.
“The center has not demonstrated by its actions that it is worthy of your trust,” he said.
Aleksi Teivainen – HT
Source: The Nordic Page
