Finland and Finns throughout history had close interaction with countries and nations in Eastern Europe.
Finn's feelings for Russians and other Slavic nations followed in a clear way the internal class contradictions in Finland. Before the Second World War Finnish workers cooperated very closely with the CPSU. Communist Party in Finland was forbidden. Historically the Communist Party of Finland was established in Moscow in 1918.
The internal Finnish bourgeoisie kept up a very hostile atmosphere against the Soviet Union. This was one of the reasons (amongst others) for the war between Finland and the Soviet Union.
The Communist Party of Finland came out of the underground after the World War, and its participation in political life had a great potential. The relations between Finland and USSR were normalized and good. Communists in Finland affected the internal life of Finland. Social security and real welfare was created for the people.
After the collapse of Socialism in Eastern Europe and the USSR, the communists also lost their influence and power in Finland. Political and economic regression set in.
Finland, as a capitalist country, there is absolute monopoly of the media, which in turn presents the working class much difficulty in their political work. Also, people's political views are molded during these times. In March of this year we had parliamentary elections and the two Communist Parties of Finland participated in it, but received only 1% of the votes.
During the post-war existence of the USSR the relations between Finland and USSR were excellent. Even the capitalist class of Finland was satisfied with the large trade between the two countries, plus cultural and other interactivity flourished.
After the counterrevolution in USSR and in other countries of Eastern Europe the relations between Finnish people and Slavic nations have changed in a dramatic way.
We can say that the counterrevolution was carried out from within and with the immense help of outside Western forces, but it is also clear that these forces were criminals. This last point had also an effect on the Finnish people. At first the Finnish bourgeoisie was delighted with the "neo-rich people" coming to Finland with their huge sums of American dollars. However, it was soon noted that especially the "New Russians" and Estonian organized criminals tried to take over the Finnish enterprises, thus getting the local capitalists backs up in anger. All forms of criminal activities increased which were caused by these criminal elements coming over from Eastern Europe. It took time for the Finns to realize this situation, because all operations with the Socialist countries before were free of this kind of phenomena.
After the collapse of the capitalist economy in Russia, the flow of American dollars from Russia to Finland stopped.
The working class of Finland hope to see again a big socialist neighbor. During socialism in USSR, here in Finland we had absolutely no unemployment. The present Finnish bourgeoisie (maybe in silence) wish the same. Soviet Union was for the Finnish bourgeoisie a much better business partner than the present contemporary Russia.
During the 1930s the dirty bourgeois-Nazi vile propaganda caused real personal hostile feelings against the Russians. Fortunately this effect has disappeared.
Finland had good relations with Eastern socialist countries. Bi-lateral trade and cultural exchanges were ongoing between Finland and these countries. Yugoslavia was a very popular destination for our tourists.
We cannot say that the relations during the last decade were normal after counterrevolutions took place there. In circumstances of poverty all activities weaken.
The only country that tries to keep activities and exchanges is Yugoslavia. The present crisis of attack upon Yugoslavia by U.S.-NATO has completely stopped these exchanges.
TV as a medium plays a powerful influential aspect, and it affected the Finns as far as the lies about Yugoslavia were concerned. Now, something important has happened in Finland. The daily media was forced to give up its one-sided interpretations of the news re Yugoslavia as given them by NATO. The Finns no longer believe these lies and for this we have to thank the wide spread of computers and Internet in use in Finland.
The leading newspapers have started to publish pro-Yugoslav articles on their opinion pages. These letters are often in contradiction to the front pages. We can say that only very few Finns accept NATO's criminal war anymore.
At the same the Finnish government has settled on NATO's side. The previous elections in March had absolutely no significance. The same cabinet coalition here already exists for ten years.
Voting percentage here was the lowest since the 1930s. People tend now not to believe either in politics or politicians. The Yugoslav war makes the distance between the government and the people still wider. Finns understand that both the official sources and the media sources lie.
After the collapse of Soviet Union it is not an easy task to have Finns believe in Socialism. However, a step forward has been made. We can say this on the basis of Finnish internal discussions, especially via Internet. As we mentioned, the Finns more and more ignore the government and the daily media.
On the other hand, during 1900s Finland as a member of European Union has regressed, unemployment increased explosively and the character of the welfare state has been ruined.
After all, there is a glimpse of hope even in Finland. People have begun to think for themselves. Thus this situation makes the work of communists much easier. It is very peculiar but true, that just as NATO is attacking Yugoslavia, this situation is opening many people's eyes to the danger for mankind and Finland.
Close this page to return.