The Finnish Prime Minister apologized to Asian countries after "Miss Finland" and far-right party members posted photos "pulling slanted eye corners" to mock Asians, triggering harsh criticism amid concerns about the country's image and the aviation industry.
On 18 December 2025 GMT+7, Reuters reported that Petteri Orpo, the Finnish Prime Minister, issued an apology to Asian countries including China, South Korea, and Japan following severe criticism over photos and posts considered racist by Miss Finland and members of the Finns Party, a far-right coalition partner.
Previously dubbed the "Slanted Eyes" scandal by Finnish media for mocking Asian eyes, Prime Minister Orpo, leader of the National Coalition Party heading the four-party coalition government, issued a statement through Finnish embassies in China, Japan, and South Korea, expressing sincere apologies to Asian countries and emphasizing that the actions do not reflect Finland’s values of equality and non-discrimination.
The Finnish Prime Minister stressed that the government prioritizes combating racism and assured friendly nations that Finland will take this issue seriously.
The controversy began earlier this month when Miss Finland shared a photo on social media pulling her eye corners with the caption "eating with Chinese people." Although she apologized and said she did not intend to offend, she was ultimately stripped of her title. Subsequently, two members of parliament and one Member of the European Parliament from the Finns Party posted similarly mocking images, further inflaming criticism.
Meanwhile, national airline Finnair stated that the images sparked backlash in the Asian market, a key long-haul flight sector. The Finns Party is preparing to discuss the matter at their upcoming weekly party meeting.
Source: Reuters