Former Finnish Member of Parliament Ano Turtiainen announced plans to apply for Russian citizenship, according to an interview with Russian state-owned news agency RIA Novosti. Turtiainen, who served in the Finnish Parliament from 2019 to 2023, stated he is studying the Russian language daily and intends to build a new life in Russia after receiving refugee status there in 2025.
Background on Ano Turtiainen’s Political Career and Refugee Status
Ano Turtiainen entered the Finnish Parliament in 2019 representing the Finns Party before later leading the Power Belongs to the People (Valta kuuluu kansalle) party. According to reports from Finnish media outlet Iltalehti, Turtiainen used the RIA Novosti interview to insult Finland, claiming it is no longer an independent nation.
"Actually, Finland no longer exists. It is part of the fascist West," Turtiainen said, as reported by RIA Novosti.
Russia granted Turtiainen refugee status in 2025, facilitating his relocation.
Legal and Financial Troubles in Finland
While preparing to seek Russian citizenship, Turtiainen faces unresolved legal and financial obligations in his home country. According to reporting by Finnish public broadcaster Yle, criminal charges for agitation against an ethnic group (kiihottaminen kansanryhmää vastaan) remain pending against him in Finland.
In addition to the criminal charges, Turtiainen has accumulated enforcement debts handled by the National Enforcement Authority Finland (ulosotto), as detailed by Yle. These financial liabilities and pending court cases remain active backdrop issues as he pursues permanent residency and citizenship in Russia.
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