Finland must crack down on hate speech, says presidential hopeful

Exclusive: Pekka Haavisto says being ‘united against all external threats’ is key to security amid tension with Russia

Finland must crack down on hate speech against minorities if it is to appear “united against all external threats”, including from Russia, a leading candidate in the country’s presidential election has said.

The Nordic country, which is governed by a coalition including the far-right Finns party, needs to “grow in tolerance”, said Pekka Haavisto, a former foreign minister who would become Finland’s first green and first out gay president if he is elected.