Supplementing the second 2021 supplementary budget

Key points of the debate

The debate addressed the supplement to the second supplementary budget and the significant support package it contains for the culture, sports and events sectors. There was broad consensus across government and opposition lines on the necessity of the support in order to help operators and freelancers in distress. However, the opposition criticised the delay in the event guarantee and support measures, as well as the inconsistency and inequality of the COVID-19 restrictions.

• –Did the event guarantee and support measures come too late to save the events sector?
• –Have the COVID-19 restrictions targeting the culture and sports sectors been proportionate and equitable?

• Social DemocratsIn favour

  The Social Democrats stressed the importance of the proposal for culture and sports professionals who have suffered from restrictions for a long time, and considered it significant that different forms of work and freelancers are now broadly taken into account.

  ”Taiteen ja kulttuurin alat ovat koronaepidemian suurimpia kärsijöitä, sillä suurin osa alan toimijoista on ollut jo toista vuotta vailla työmahdollisuuksia.”

• Centre PartyIn favour

  The Centre Party considered the support package of 225 million euros for the culture, sports and events sectors essential, and stressed taking into account those falling through the cracks as well as the urgency of the additional authorisation for the information system reform of Finnish Customs.

  ”Tässä vuoden 21 toisessa lisätalousarviossa siis ehdotetaan annettavaksi kulttuuri-, liikunta- ja tapahtuma-alalle yhteensä 225 miljoonan euron tukipaketti.”

• GreensIn favour

  The Greens regarded the supplementary budget as a lifeline for the events and culture sectors, correcting previous blind spots in support and creating the conditions for reopening in a health-safe manner.

  ”Käsittelyssä oleva lisätalousarvio on suomalaisen kulttuuri-, liikunta- ja tapahtuma-alan pelastusrengas.”

• Left AllianceIn favour

  The Left Alliance deemed the support package necessary to improve the diversity of the cultural sector and the position of freelancers, but hoped for a swift and equitable dismantling of restrictions as the epidemic situation allows.

  ”Vuoden toinen lisätalousarvio sisältää kauan kaivatun tukipaketin kulttuuri- ja tapahtuma-alalle.”

• Swedish People's PartyIn favour

  The Swedish People's Party supported the appropriations increases for freelancers, cultural institutions and recreational activities, considering the revival of recreational activities for children and young people of paramount importance.

  ”Tosiaan käsittelyssä on toinen lisätalousarvio, ja tässä on kulttuuriin, liikuntaan ja tapahtumiin kohdennettu tuki, odotettu sellainen.”

• National Coalition PartyIn favour with reservations

  The National Coalition Party considered the financial support necessary, but took the view that money alone was insufficient and called for lifting restrictions, reducing bureaucracy and enabling health-safe events.

  ”Mutta on hyvä, että edes jotain apua nyt tänne tapahtuma- ja kulttuurialalle osoitetaan — se viimeisellä hetkellä sinne tuli.”

• Finns PartyIn favour with reservations

  The Finns Party supported the aid and the increase in authorisation for Finnish Customs, but pointed out that the event guarantee and grants came too late to save many summer events.

  ”Valitettavasti kyseinen tapahtumatakuu toteutetaan liian myöhään ja tällä on ollut jo vaikutuksia tapahtuma-alalle.”

• Christian DemocratsIn favour with reservations

  The Christian Democrats supported the necessary crisis support, but expressed concern about overall economic sustainability and criticised the unfairness of the restrictions on sports facilities and public events.

  ”Toinen asia, mihin tässä vastalauseessa on otettu kantaa ja mihin osa noista lausumistakin liittyy, on tämä rajoitusten oikeasuhtaisuus.”

This digest was generated by AI from 21 speeches 13 Sep 2026. Group positions are read from the speeches, not from votes; quotations were checked verbatim against the record.