Following the revelation that he spoke to a far-right group four years ago, Finland's new economy minister issued an apology for making extreme statements.
Vilhelm Junnila gave a speech at a gathering held by the Nationalist Alliance in Turku to remember those lost in a stabbing attack that occurred there in 2017.
Mr. Junnila apologized in a Facebook post on Thursday for the comments, which he described as "stupid and childish.".
The Holocaust and all anti-Semitism, according to Mr. Junnila, are abhorrent.
A nationalist Finns Party member remarked in 2019 at the Turku event that Mr. Junnila's own election number, 88, was the same as the local party chairman's.
As H is the eighth letter in the alphabet, the number 88 is viewed by neo-Nazis as a symbol for the salutation "Heil Hitler.". ".
According to Finnish public broadcaster Yle, Mr. Junnila later congratulated another candidate who received the same number at a Finns campaign event in March.
"First of all, congrats on a strong election turnout. I'm confident it's a winning card. Let's not focus on the fact that this 88 refers to the two "Hs," said the 41-year-old jokingly.
Mr. Junnila posted a statement on social media on Thursday saying, "I have done something wrong and I am sorry for my actions. ".
Although Mr. Junnila acknowledged the video of his speech from Turku in 2019 is still available, he added that if he had been invited to a similar event today, he would not go.
He continued, "I hope it is clear to everyone that I strongly and categorically condemn the Holocaust, anti-Semitism, and all anti-Semitic acts. ".
They were "completely" condemned, he continued.
Following the formal swearing-in of Mr. Junnila's party on Tuesday, a coalition agreement was reached with the National Coalition Party and two other parties earlier this month.
In negotiations, the Finns Party, which received 46 seats and finished second in the April election, demanded significant reductions in immigration.
With 48 seats, the National Coalition Party won the election; the Social Democratic Party, led by outgoing Prime Minister Sana Marin, came in third with 43.
Petteri Orpo was chosen as Ms. Marin's replacement by the Finnish Parliament on Tuesday.
Getting Finland's economy moving again, according to Mr. Orpo, is his top priority right now.
