Should Finland buy back Caruna? Finnish papers debate energy infrastructure and event venues

Finnish newspapers are weighing the potential benefits and drawbacks of repurchasing Caruna, the nation's largest electricity network company. Iberdrola, a Spanish energy firm, has signaled its intention to acquire a majority stake in Caruna, which was previously sold to foreign investors for 2 billion euros in 2013. Newspapers like Kauppalehti and Maaseudun Tulevaisuus are exploring the idea of bringing Caruna back under Finnish ownership.

Speculation includes potential ownership by Finnish pension funds, which have experience managing electricity network companies. Some discussions, as reported by Maaseudun Tulevaisuus, suggest the state could act as an intermediary, facilitating a competitive bid without being the direct buyer, though the practicalities of such a move are considered challenging.

Beyond energy infrastructure, the editorial discussions also address the future of large-scale event venues in Tampere. The debate is partly fueled by the state's support for the Garden Helsinki arena project. A local politician, Aleksi Jäntti, has proposed that the Finnish government investigate the need for major event spaces following the potential collapse of Garden Helsinki. His suggestions include upgrading the Ratinan stadium, though the editorial notes this is unlikely in the short term.

The viability of the recently completed Nokia Arena in Tampere is also under scrutiny. While the venue has hosted prominent artists, the newspaper suggests it could attract more events to ensure its financial success. In contrast, the new Tammela football stadium is praised as potentially the best in Finland.