Concerns Rise in Finland Over Youth Involvement in Extremist Movements

Finland’s political leaders from across the parliamentary spectrum have voiced growing concern over the increasing involvement of children and young people in extremist groups, particularly far-right movements linked to violence and radicalisation.

Speaking to Finnish media on Thursday, Veronika Honkasalo warned that young people are being drawn into violent extremist activities through channels such as martial arts networks and online radical communities.

“It is very worrying that young people are being drawn into extremely violent far-right activities, for example through martial arts. We should all be concerned about this phenomenon, including in Parliament,” she said.

Honkasalo also called for the reinstatement of so-called “exit programmes” aimed at helping individuals leave violent extremist organisations and rebuild their lives outside radical movements.

Meanwhile, Centre Party MP Petri Honkonen stressed the importance of strengthening democratic participation among young people.

“Society must ensure that young people feel they have constructive and democratic ways to influence issues. That begins at school, home and across society as a whole — and also from the example politicians set,” Honkonen noted.

The debate intensified following violence during recent May Day demonstrations in Finland, which triggered wider discussions about public safety and political extremism.

Calls have also emerged for tighter restrictions on face coverings during protests. Jani Mäkelä said the Finns Party supports banning masks and disguises at demonstrations.

According to Mäkelä, both far-right and far-left extremist groups, along with some activist movements, have caused disruptions during public events, including vandalism near Parliament House.

“Such activities carried out in disguise should be banned,” he stated.

The incident has reignited national debate in Finland over extremism, youth radicalisation and the balance between public security and the right to protest.