Parliament Speaker Raises Constitutional Concerns Over MPs’ TV Filming Contracts, Confirms Salary Withholding as Possible Consequence – Secretary General Admits Guidance Failures

The Speaker of Parliament, Jussi Halla-aho (Finns Party), has stated that there is no mechanism allowing MPs to return parliamentary allowances to the State Treasury, contrary to the Green Party’s announcement regarding party chair Sofia Virta. Virta has been absent from parliamentary duties for just over a week while filming for the reality TV programme Erikoisjoukot (Special Forces), broadcast by Nelonen (Iltalehti, Yle). The format involves celebrity contestants undergoing emulated special forces training challenges (Yle). MTV Uutiset reports that Virta confirmed her participation in the programme during a press conference on Tuesday, where she described the decision as a "personal" and "carefully planned" growth project, adding that she had been reachable during her absence (MTV Uutiset). Virta also stated that she had ensured, before agreeing to take part, that both her party and its parliamentary group would be able to function in her absence (Yle). She expressed hope that her decision would not cause reputational damage to the Greens (Yle).