A scandal has erupted in Finland over a family-type orphanage that houses children from several countries, including Ukrainian refugees. The cause was outrage among a section of society over the institution's location in a spacious and expensive cottage.
According to Yle, the orphanage staff have received a wave of criticism, insulting comments and even outright threats on social media. As Lina Piipari, the director of the company Solum, which runs the facility, noted, these are messages that can be classified as “hate speech.”
The location of the establishment has caused the most outrage: a 300 sq m cottage on the shores of a lake in the city of Tampere. The house previously belonged to a famous Finnish football player, and is now estimated to be worth around $1 million.
Critics say it is “too luxurious” housing for migrant children. Not only ordinary social media users, but also some politicians, including MP Joachim Vigelius, have expressed their displeasure.
At the same time, the Solum company emphasizes that they won the state tender for the maintenance of the orphanage, offering the lowest price among all participants. The house is rented, not purchased at state expense, and meets the requirements for safe and comfortable living for children.
Despite the scandal, the children's lives continue as usual: they attend school, play sports, and adapt to their new environment. Among the children are minors from Ukraine who have been granted temporary protection.
