The Finnish Defense Minister’s party has welcomed his decision to take paternity leave in the midst of Finland’s accession process to NATO. A choice that is not unanimous. “We proudly support Antti Kaikkonen’s decision,” said Finance Minister and Center Party leader Annika Saarikko, a member of the ruling coalition in Helsinki.
Antti Kaikkonen announced on Tuesday his decision to be absent from his duties from January 6 to early February to care for his second son, born in July.
“The children are still young and I want to remember them in a way other than pictures,” she tweeted.
A decision that is rarely made in Finland
As in the other Nordic countries, taking two to three months of paternity leave after a birth has become common in Finland. The country offers 54 days off for new parents. Almost 80% take it, but only a part of the total.
The option remains rare for political leaders, with Antti Kaikkonen being one of the first men to do so in Finland. Former Prime Minister Paavo Lipponen was a pioneer by twice taking a few days of paternity leave when he was head of government.
“The freedom to take or decide on family leave belongs to everyone,” said Annika Saarikko.
The deputy of the Mikko Savola Center will ensure the interim.
NATO candidate country
Finland and Sweden abandoned decades of military nonalignment after neighboring Russia invaded Ukraine and announced their NATO bids in May.
Of the thirty members of the Western military alliance, only Hungary and Turkey must ratify their accessions, which require unanimous agreement. The main stumbling block is Ankara, which is demanding that Stockholm and Helsinki harden their position against the Kurdish groups considered “terrorists” by Turkey.
Source: BFM TV
