What's happened
Finnish politicians from the Finns Party posted images pulling their eyes in support of a former Miss Finland, who was stripped of her crown for a similar gesture. The incident sparked international criticism, prompting apologies from Finnish leaders and concerns from Asian governments. The controversy highlights ongoing issues of racism in Finnish politics.
What's behind the headline?
The incident exposes deep-rooted issues of racial insensitivity within Finnish politics, especially among the Finns Party, known for its anti-immigration stance. The politicians' actions, supported by far-right factions, reveal a troubling normalization of racist stereotypes. The Finnish government’s swift apologies and diplomatic outreach to Japan and South Korea indicate an awareness of the international damage. However, the incident risks further polarizing domestic politics and damaging Finland’s reputation as an inclusive society. The spread of similar images by lawmakers suggests a broader cultural problem that will likely persist unless addressed through systemic change. The controversy also underscores the influence of social media in amplifying racist attitudes, which can have long-term diplomatic and economic repercussions, especially given Finland’s reliance on Asian tourism and business relations.
What the papers say
The articles from Reuters, AP News, The Independent, and The New York Times all detail the incident, but differ slightly in emphasis. Reuters highlights the political fallout and diplomatic concerns, quoting Finnish officials and Japan’s government. AP News focuses on Dzafce’s personal story and the social media backlash, emphasizing the international response. The Independent underscores the political rallying around Dzafce by far-right lawmakers, framing it as a broader cultural issue. The New York Times provides context on the political landscape, noting the role of the Finns Party and the implications for Finnish society. Together, these sources paint a comprehensive picture of a diplomatic and societal crisis rooted in racial insensitivity, with political figures at the center of the controversy.
How we got here
The controversy began when Sarah Dzafce, Miss Finland 2025, posted a photo pulling her eyes with a caption implying she was 'eating with a Chinese.' She apologized but was later stripped of her crown. Several Finnish politicians from the Finns Party posted similar images, leading to widespread condemnation. The incident occurred amid ongoing debates about racism and nationalism in Finland, with the government and international partners responding to the fallout.
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