The Finnish military has ordered the evacuation of residential buildings near strategically important military installations across the country. Dozens of families were ordered to leave areas adjacent to airports in Lapland and central Finland. Their homes will be demolished.
Residents of the Rovaniemi, Jyväskylä and Kuopio regions have received notice of the termination of their long-term rental contracts. They must leave their semi-detached or terraced flats within six months. The reason for this is “its strategically important location in the region,” Finland's Radio Eire reports. The termination will affect more than 60 homes and more than 120 people.
Most residents who received communication regarding the termination of their contracts at the end of November were surprised and shocked by the decision, the radio report emphasized. Some had lived there for more than a dozen years, while others were planning to raise children. They must vacate the premises by June 2025.
See also: Finland plans new entry ban on Russians. “Combat against hostile influences”
In Tikkakoski near Jyväskylä in central Finland, and in particular in Silinjarvi near the Air Force Academy base and Kuopio, residents could see the air traffic control tower directly from their gardens or living rooms.
Finns have to leave their homes. “They found out in the last few weeks.”
Tikkakoski also became famous after the Helsingin Sanomat daily exposed the operation of a secret military intelligence center there. According to reports in 2017, the center specialized in controlling various types of signals, including those primarily coming from Russia. A journalist covering the incident was taken to court for leaking confidential information.
See also: Russian plans for Baltic borders. Lithuania and Finland also respond.
International exercises are regularly held at Rovaniemi Airport, and since Finland joined NATO in April 2023, military exercises involving fighter jets have become increasingly popular.
Ale said the process for military occupation of the developed strategic area began in 2019, but residents only learned about it in recent weeks. Officials also expected tenants to move out sooner, by the end of 2024. In Rovaniemi, authorities are trying to help people find new apartments, but the situation is complicated by the lack of available apartments in the area.
Your browser does not support video players… Read more
Want to get the latest news?
We are preparing an application for your phone. Please check it out!
