On 29 May 2025, the Blue-Black Movement (Sinimusta Liike), an openly fascist and ethnonationalist group, officially re-entered the Finnish political party register.
This development has stirred significant debate in Finland and internationally, raising concerns about the presence and influence of far-right ideologies in the country’s political landscape.
Blue-Black Movement re-registered after court removal
The return of the Blue-Black Movement to the party register was confirmed by Arto Jääskeläinen, director of electoral administration at the Ministry of Justice. The party was previously removed in early 2024 after the Supreme Administrative Court (Korkein hallinto-oikeus) determined that its original party programme was incompatible with Finnish constitutional and human rights law. According to Yle, this removal followed an application by the Justice Ministry, which regarded the initial 2022 registration as a “mistake.”
However, after a new review of the group’s rules and programme, authorities deemed the updated version “acceptable” and found no legal obstacles for its re-registration. As required by Finnish law, the group gathered over 5,000 supporter cards (a prerequisite for any political party registration).
Historical ties to far-right movements in Finland
The Blue-Black Movement’s choice of colours is not accidental. The group openly pays homage to the Lapua Movement (Lapuan liike), a radical nationalist and fascist organisation active in Finland between 1929 and 1932. The founders of the Blue-Black Movement include former members of the Finns Party (Perussuomalaiset), known for their strong ethnonationalist views and rhetoric.
On 1 May, the group organised a public event and march in Tampere, where participants, dressed predominantly in black, were seen carrying Finnish flags and a banner declaring: “May Day is White.” This overt display of racist and fascist symbolism has intensified concerns about the group’s intentions and the broader trend of far-right normalisation in Finland.

Legal background and ongoing debate
The re-registration of the Blue-Black Movement underlines the complex balance between freedom of association and the protection of constitutional and human rights. While authorities found the revised programme legally acceptable, critics argue that the movement’s openly racist ideology remains at odds with democratic values and the spirit of the Finnish constitution.
Experts warn that the return of such openly fascist and racist groups to formal political status could embolden similar organisations in Finland and across Europe. According to analysts, this reflects a wider trend of far-right mobilisation and the challenges faced by Nordic societies in confronting extremism while upholding civil liberties.
Far-Right groups and political climate in Finland
Finland has witnessed a resurgence of far-right and ethnonationalist groups in recent years, mirroring trends in other parts of Europe. The re-registration of the Blue-Black Movement is seen by many as a test for Finland’s democratic institutions and legal framework, especially in balancing the rights to free speech and association with the imperative to counter hate and discrimination.
Political scientists highlight that while Finnish law provides clear safeguards against hate speech and unconstitutional activity, the registration of extremist parties underlines the importance of constant vigilance and societal debate. The developments surrounding the Blue-Black Movement are likely to remain a significant issue in the lead-up to future elections and in the ongoing conversation about democracy and human rights in the Nordic region.