Speech by the Speaker of the Eduskunta (the Parliament of Finland) Jussi Halla-aho at the Seimas on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the restoration of Lithuania’s independence

Photo by Olga Posaškova, Office of Seimas

Esteemed members of Seimas, fellow speakers,

It is a great honor for me, as the highest representative of the Finnish Eduskunta, to address you today as we mark the 35th anniversary of the declaration, by the Lithuanian Supreme Council, of restoring the independence of Lithuania. I was 19 years old at the time, and I watched the events with great interest and enthusiasm. That the Soviet Union, one of the two superpowers of the world, the prison of nations, might actually disintegrate was still a distant dream, but that process began in Lithuania in March 1990.

The struggle of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia for their national freedom filled the ordinary people of my generation with admiration. I must say that at times we felt ashamed by the timid and passive attitude of our own political leaders.

After the collapse of the Soviet empire there was a brief period of optimism in Europe. There was hope that Russia would reject its old ways, turn a new page, find a way to coexist peacefully with its neighbors. Unfortunately, that was not to be. It is very important that we do not repeat the mistakes of the past. The free peoples of Europe must show courage and determination and they must stand united, lest they be devoured one by one. If Ukraine falls, someone else will be next.

The dark events of our time have had the positive side effect of bringing us closer with our neighbors. Finland is one of the five Nordic countries and historically they have been our most important framework. But now we understand more clearly than ever that we are also the fourth Baltic state. We are on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea. We have a long border with Russia. We share with you many problems, challenges and interests.

Suomijos žmonių vardu sveikinu Lietuvos Respubliką ir Seimą su šia diena. Taip pat linkiu jums klestėjimo ir sėkmės ateityje