Finland PM survives confidence vote over contested real estate complex

Finland’s PM Petteri Orpo and his government on Tuesday survived a confidence vote called over handling of a plan to develop a massive Helskinki complex anchored by a 19,000-seat stadium. (X/@jatkoaika)

• Weeks of controversy have dogged government’s approach to the project, called Garden Helsinki
• Orpo and his government won the respective confidence votes, both by 101 votes to 90

HELSINKI: Finland’s Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and his government on Tuesday survived a confidence vote called over handling of a plan to develop a massive Helskinki complex anchored by a 19,000-seat stadium.
Weeks of controversy have dogged government’s approach to the project, called Garden Helsinki, with the opposition accusing Orpo’s administration of lack of transparency and criticizing lobbying surrounding it.
On Monday, Orpo announced the government was dropping its support for the privately funded project, withdrawing a promise to conditionally contribute 35 million euros ($40 million).
The project for the complex, estimated to cost a total of around 800 million euros, also includes a hotel and residential buildings.
Orpo and his government won the respective confidence votes, both by 101 votes to 90.
Just before Tuesday’s vote, the premier rejected claims he had been influenced in the decision-making around the project, which he defended as a boost to the economy and to the construction sector.