Featured image of post Finland's Parliament approves Nato application | News | Yle Uutiset

Finland's Parliament approves Nato application | News | Yle Uutiset

Following a 14-hour debate, the motion was passed by 188 votes to 8.

· 1503 points

Following a 14-hour debate, the motion was passed by 188 votes to 8.

Highlights

  • Finland will seek to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) President Sauli Niinistö and Prime Minister Sanna Marin (SDP) announced the move on Sunday.
  • Following a 14-hour debate, the motion was passed by 188 votes to 8.
  • A total of 212 speeches were made to Parliament during the debate that preceded the vote.
  • The president and government are now able to put the official application process into motion, possibly as soon as later on Tuesday.
  • The vote was required after Left Alliance MP Markus Mustajärvi tabled a counter-motion, arguing that Finland should remain militarily non-aligned.
  • Three MPs were marked as absent in the vote.