Jussi Halla-aho, the Speaker of the Finnish Parliament, expressed his critical view on the traditional Christmas parties held in the Finnish Parliament during an appearance on Yle's morning show. His comments come in light of ongoing discussions surrounding harassment incidents that have reportedly occurred during these events, as brought to public attention by SDP MP Ville Merinen. Halla-aho referenced the negative implications these parties may have on the public image of the Parliament, stating that his personal stance is that they have sparked more issues than joy in recent times.

During the interview, Halla-aho faced a question from the audience regarding the continuation of these traditional Christmas gatherings for parliament members and journalists. He voiced his belief that while these parties are intended to be joyful social occasions, they have, particularly in recent years, resulted in more anxiety and controversy than positive experiences. He emphasized the importance of re-evaluating such events in light of the prevailing concerns regarding harassment within the parliamentary community.

Halla-aho's remarks contribute to a broader dialogue about the culture surrounding parliamentary gatherings and the need for a change in the wake of the harassment scandal. His perspective reflects growing awareness and scrutiny of professional environments and the behaviors that occur within them, especially in light of revelations regarding misconduct. The debate over the future of such events will likely continue as various stakeholders weigh their significance against the associated risks and reputational damage to the institution.