A surprise protest took place in the heart of Helsinki, causing considerable disruptions to traffic, particularly at the intersection of Pohjoisesplanadi and Fabianinkatu. The Helsinki police received notification of the protest shortly after 2 PM, which involved around 50 activists who had not notified authorities in advance. The protest was organized by the environmental group Elokapina, which is known for its climate activism and civil disobedience tactics.

During the protest, demonstrators occupied roadways and were seen with banners and signs, emphasizing their demands regarding the ecological crisis. Elokapina has expressed that they want the issues surrounding the ecological crisis to be part of the ongoing discussions on national security. Some of the protestors even reportedly locked themselves together, halting traffic across the entire width of Pohjoisesplanadi, leading to heightened police presence to manage the situation.

The protest reflects a growing trend where activist groups are increasingly using civil disobedience to draw attention to urgent climate issues, particularly in urban settings. With traffic disruptions impacting daily commuters and raising public awareness, the event serves as a reminder of the tensions between environmental advocacy and public order. It also highlights the need for discussions about climate change to be integrated into broader political dialogues in Finland and internationally.