The municipality of Virolahti in southeastern Finland has sold a school and a nearby row house to a Russian national, which has sparked controversy among some local residents who oppose the sale to Russian-background buyers.
The municipality of Virolahti, located in southeastern Finland, recently completed the sale of a school and an adjacent row house in Vaalimaa to Dmitrii Tomashevich, a Russian background resident. This transaction, valued at €17,700 and conducted through an online auction, has ignited local discontent, particularly among residents who vehemently oppose the sale of properties to individuals of Russian origin amidst rising tensions in the region. Local discussions on social media reveal a stark divide in public opinion regarding the purchase.
Tomashevich himself has refrained from making any public comments about the acquisition but has designated a local carpenter, Ilya Altynbaev, who is also of Russian descent, to operate a workshop in the newly acquired school building. Altynbaev has expressed plans to relocate his current workshop, citing space constraints as a significant issue. He plans to rent the property from Tomashevich, indicating the potential for economic activity that may alleviate community concerns about the purchase.
Virolahti's municipal leader, Topi Heinänen, acknowledged the initial apprehension surrounding the purchase, especially given the sensitive context of current geopolitical events. He clarified that despite fears of discrimination, it was later revealed that the buyer held Finnish citizenship, which alleviated some of the concerns raised by the local community. The incident highlights ongoing sensitivities and challenges within local communities regarding ownership and ethnicity, particularly in areas adjacent to national borders.
