Finnish Ministers Sport 'Send Them Back' Hats, Sparking Controversy

Finnish ministers Mari Rantanen and Wille Rydman have ignited a political controversy by posing in hats bearing the English slogan 'Send Them Back.' The ministers, both from the Finns Party, received the hats from Member of the European Parliament Sebastian Tynkkynen.

Rantanen, the Minister of the Interior, and Rydman, the Minister of Social Affairs and Health, shared a photo wearing the caps, which originated from Tynkkynen. He reportedly distributed them after the European Parliament approved new return legislation in June. This legislation allows EU countries to establish "return centers" outside Europe for individuals whose asylum applications have been rejected or who are ordered to leave the EU.

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Send Them Back

Rydman explained that the hats' slogan reflects the adoption of the EU's return regulation, stating it was a "catchphrase" used by their parliamentary group. Rantanen echoed this sentiment, suggesting the slogan aligns with the idea of "homeland calls," a phrase used by the Finns Party, implying a connection to repatriation efforts.

However, the ministers' choice of headwear drew sharp criticism from Henrik Vuornos, a Member of Parliament from the coalition partner National Coalition Party. Vuornos argued that holding a position in the government, especially as a minister responsible for immigration matters, requires more than a "joke" and should involve "stable and dignified behavior." He linked the slogan to its use by supporters of former U.S. President Donald Trump and expressed concern about the message it sends to immigrants and children in Finland, suggesting it creates an unwelcoming atmosphere.

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Valtioneuvoston jäsenenä toimiminen ei ole mikään vitsi, eikä maahanmuuttoasioista vastaavan ministerin pidä Suomessa kulkea ”Send them back” -lippalakissa