Helsinki Garden funding row deepens as opposition demands answers

Artist's impression of the planned Garden Helsinki multi-purpose arena in the Töölö district of Helsinki, showing the main entrance plaza. Photo: B & M Architects Ltd

Finland’s opposition parties have increased pressure on Prime Minister Petteri Orpo over the government’s €35 million conditional support pledge for the Helsinki Garden arena project, after new ministry documents raised questions about how the decision was prepared and what ministers knew before approving the funding.

The Left Alliance chair Minja Koskela called on Orpo’s government to resign on Tuesday. The Greens’ MP Saara Hyrkkö submitted a new written question asking whether the prime minister gave misleading information about the case.

The Social Democratic Party said parliament should be called back from its summer break so Orpo gives a prime minister’s statement.

The dispute centres on the government’s decision in April 2025 to grant conditional investment support to Helsinki Garden, a planned arena and event complex in Töölö. The payment will take place only if the project goes ahead.