Skip to content
The article is more than 10 years old

PM Katainen annoyed at Monti's comments

Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen has expressed annoyance with comments made by his Italian counterpart, Mario Monti, over Finland’s role in handling the eurozone debt crisis. The dispute comes just a week after both leaders held cordial talks in Helsinki.

Jyrki Katainen ja Mario Monti Kesärannassa.
Mario Monti vieraili Suomessa viime viikolla. Hän kävi muun muassa Kesärannassa Jyrki Kataisen vieraana 1. elokuuta. Image: Mikko Stig / Lehtikuva

In the German magazine Der Spiegel, Monti indirectly criticised Finland, saying the country did not adhere to decisions made at EU summits but rather changed its mind a few days after the gatherings.

Monti hinted that the Finnish legislature had too much influence on the government’s EU decisions.

In response, the Finnish premier said such statements by Monti give rise to unnecessary arguments within the EU at a time when members should be seeking viable solutions.

Other Finnish politicians have also expressed their dismay at Monti’s comments.

Monti meanwhile said his comments had been misunderstood. He said he took the view that parliamentary supervision of government should be tightened rather than loosened.  

Sources: Yle

Latest: paketissa on 10 artikkelia