Finnish lawmakers discuss possible referendum on euro exit

Finland’s lawmakers have held a debate over a citizen petition that demands a referendum on a possible exit from the European single currency euro as a remedy to economic woes of the Nordic country.

According to Press TV, the rare parliamentary debate was held on Thursday after some 53,000 Finns signed the petition to put the issue on the chamber’s agenda.

The appeal demands a referendum to review Finland’s euro membership amid the country’s poor economic performance and rising unemployment.

The petition would need to pass several stages in the parliament before reaching a final plenary vote and a possible referendum. The next stage would be a discussion on the initiative at the relevant parliamentary committee.

Opinion polls indicate the country is unlikely to exit the common currency, but the success of the petition shows the high level of public dissatisfaction with the economic situation and the government’s austerity policies.

According to a December poll by public broadcaster YLE, 54 percent of Finns supported remaining in the euro zone, while 31 percent wanted to leave. Asked whether Finland would do better outside the euro zone, 44 percent answered yes.

Euro-sceptic parliamentarians believe the economic crisis in the country stems from the lack of an independent monetary policy, saying Finland should have held a referendum before adopting the euro in 1998.

ME