Heidi Hautala, the chair of the Green LeagueÂ’s group in the Finnish Parliament, unexpectedly stole the show on Thursday during a special session celebrating the 100th anniversary of parliamentary democracy in Finland. In her speech, which was later sharply criticised by Speaker of Parliament Paavo Lipponen (SDP), Hautala took aim at what she saw as the poor state of democracy in neighbouring Russia.

Speaking on behalf of the Greens in Parliament, Hautala made note of the common history of Finland and Russia, and emphasised that it is FinlandÂ’s obligation to act in a way that helps Russia achieve more lasting stability. Such a development would require the rule of law, respect for human rights, and responsibility, she added.
"Today the Russian Duma, which was granted limited authority from the despot at the same time that FinlandÂ’s parliamentary reform was carried out, has, as a result of a concentration of power, reverted to the pre-1905 situation, when all power was with the Tsar", Hautala said. |