Finns Party MP and former police officer Ismo Soukola raised the issue of his work as part of the Prime Ministers’ security detail during an debate in parliament relating to the police.
“Some years ago there were threats to ministers Katainen and Stubb and their families. At the time as a constable working at the Espoo police station I participated in enhanced surveillance of the ministers’ homes in the vicinity as a precautionary measure. What kind of similar service can be offered to a single mother facing the threat of violence by a former spouse?” Soukola asked.
Soukola’s disclosure about the threats appeared to take Prime Minister Stubb by surprise. He then left his seat on the government benches, walked over to Finns Party chair Timo Soini, after which both men exited the chamber, apparently to discuss Soukola’s comments.
Interior Minister condemns Soukola’s remarks
Interior Minister Päivi Räsänen condemned the comments made by the Finns Party MP during his turn at the podium, saying that he had divulged details of a confidential police mission.
“Finnish police are trusted because of their reliability and honesty. Police are called upon to execute highly sensitive assignments that involve the obligation to secrecy,” the minister noted.
Parliamentary Speaker: Soukola apologetic
Soukola later told members of the media that his comments about his police work were ill-judged.
Parliamentary Speaker Eero Heinäluoma told Yle that he had spoken with the MP about the matter. Heinäluoma pointed out that it is not appropriate to speak in Parliament about previous assignments that are covered by the obligation to secrecy.
“I have spoken to MP Soukola and we have come to an understanding that it won’t happen again in the future. He has apologised for what happened,” Heinäluoma concluded.