Finland's Chancellor probes minister over grant criteria

Finland's Chancellor of Justice has initiated an investigation into Social Affairs and Health Minister Wille Rydman concerning his preparation of grant criteria for social and health organizations. The inquiry also extends to the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health.

The Chancellor has requested a detailed explanation from Rydman regarding the legal basis for the ministry's authority to decide on these criteria and the procedures followed. Rydman must submit his response by August 20. Simultaneously, the ministry is being asked to clarify whether Rydman's actions align with practices from previous years. These requests stem from complaints filed with the Chancellor about Rydman's conduct.

The government has been embroiled in a week-long dispute over Rydman's new criteria for state grants to social and health organizations, distributed by the funding center STEA. Rydman's recent announcement of these criteria, which could reduce funding for groups representing identity-based communities and wealthier organizations, has drawn significant criticism. This has been interpreted as potentially leading to the complete cessation of funding for organizations like Seta, which represents sexual minorities.

Internal government dissent has been notable, with Prime Minister Petteri Orpo eventually assigning the task of preparing the grant criteria to senior civil servants, removing it from Rydman's direct purview. Further controversy surrounds Rydman's decision on social work research funding. Despite recommendations for 18 research projects based on official proposals and peer review, Rydman approved funding for only nine. The Huoltaja Foundation has filed a complaint with the Chancellor regarding this decision, arguing that Rydman's process jeopardizes the equal treatment of applicants.