Finland’s Social Democratic Party said an internal review into workplace conduct in its parliamentary group found no broad pattern of harassment, following weeks of public scrutiny over alleged misconduct.
The review, conducted by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, examined working conditions within the group after media reports earlier this year raised concerns about the treatment of staff.
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, parliamentary group leader Tytti Tuppurainen said the findings brought relief.
“It is a relief that the report shows there is no wider harassment problem in our parliamentary group,” she said.
The investigation involved interviews with all staff members in the group and focused on the current parliamentary term. According to party officials, no new cases emerged during the process, and all incidents identified were already known internally.
The report did identify instances of inappropriate conduct. These included rude language, belittling behaviour and repeated contact outside working hours. Officials said such actions had been addressed when they occurred.
Tuppurainen said those involved had received what she described as a “serious discussion” as a consequence. She said this response matched the severity of the incidents and confirmed that no further disciplinary measures would be imposed.
“There has been no violence or bullying of a nature that would require exceptional consequences,” she told reporters.
The party declined to disclose details such as the number of cases, citing the need to protect staff privacy. Parliamentary group secretary general Rami Lindström said some incidents had not previously been public but were known to management.
Deputy chair Piritta Rantanen said the report did not support earlier claims about Tuppurainen’s own conduct. Allegations published earlier this year suggested she had behaved inappropriately towards staff, including claims of shouting. Tuppurainen has challenged those claims and filed a complaint with Finland’s Council for Mass Media.
The controversy began after a documentary aired by public broadcaster Yle featured MP Ville Merinen, who said some parliamentary assistants faced poor treatment. Further reporting by Helsingin Sanomat and Ilta-Sanomat detailed individual cases, including alleged misconduct involving MP Marko Asell at a party event. According to Helsingin Sanomat, witnesses described behaviour that caused distress to a staff member. Asell said on Thursday he had apologised for “inappropriate behaviour and poor humour” but declined to comment further.
The Social Democratic Party commissioned the external review after those reports.
Party officials said most staff had not experienced harassment, though some reported isolated incidents. Lindström said each case remains one too many and called for improvements in management practices.
Recommendations from the report include strengthening supervisory skills among MPs, improving reporting channels and holding regular follow-up discussions on workplace conditions. The group plans to review the situation every six months.
Tuppurainen said the public attention had placed strain on staff and complicated efforts to address the issues internally. She said future cases would be handled with clearer processes and lower thresholds for reporting.
HT