Politics

National Audit Office Reviews Helsinki Garden Funding Amid Lobbying, Legal, and Procedural Concerns

File photo by Paasikivi from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

The National Audit Office of Finland (NAOF) is assessing whether to launch an investigation into the financing of the Helsinki Garden project, a planned multipurpose arena near the Helsinki Ice Hall. The project has drawn scrutiny over its €35 million state subsidy, granted by the government in April 2025 during a mid-term policy review, as well as growing legal complaints and concerns over the subsidy’s approval process.

Kotka Sea Days marred by violence, vandalism and disorderly conduct

Kotka’s annual Sea Days festival, which attracted nearly 210,000 visitors over four days, was overshadowed by public disturbances, assaults and widespread vandalism, according to police and local reports. Authorities cleared Isopuisto Park in central Kotka on two consecutive nights after a group of young people from the capital

Blue-Green Algae Levels Remain Stable Nationwide with Localised Blooms

Finland’s blue-green algae situation has remained largely stable in recent weeks, though significant blooms have been detected in isolated areas, according to official monitoring data. The peak season for cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae, typically spans July and August, with local conditions heavily influenced by weather

Kuopio Court Orders Removal of Disputed Swimming Ladders After Housing Company Dispute

A legal battle over swimming ladders in a lakeside terraced house in Kuopio’s Saaristokaupunki has concluded with a court ruling ordering their removal. The Northern Savo District Court determined that the housing company’s decision to allow the construction of the ladders violated the principle of equal treatment under

Vandalism at Karmarock Festival Site Leaves Park Contaminated with Waste

Several portable toilets at the Karmarock music festival in Harjavalta were toppled overnight between Sunday and Monday, spreading excrement across a nearby park area. The incident occurred after the festival’s conclusion and the departure of volunteers, leaving the site contaminated. According to Helsingin Sanomat, around ten of the approximately

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Kotka Sea Days marred by violence, vandalism and disorderly conduct

Blue-Green Algae Levels Remain Stable Nationwide with Localised Blooms

Kuopio Court Orders Removal of Disputed Swimming Ladders After Housing Company Dispute

Vandalism at Karmarock Festival Site Leaves Park Contaminated with Waste