Some Politicians Defend Winner by Mimicking Controversial Gesture
Political Debate Intensifies Over Beauty Pageant Disqualification
In Finland, ruling coalition politicians are facing intense criticism after collectively making the so-called 'eye slanting' gesture in protest of a beauty pageant winner being stripped of her crown due to a racial discrimination controversy. The politicians, who belong to the coalition government, defended the disqualified winner by posting group photos of themselves mimicking the gesture.
The incident began with Sarah Jafche, who was crowned Miss Finland 2025. Last November, a photo of Jafche making the 'eye slanting' gesture, which evokes East Asian features, began circulating on social media, sparking a racial discrimination controversy. The photo was accompanied by the caption, "Having a meal with a Chinese person." In Western societies, this gesture is widely recognized as a representative expression of racial discrimination against Asians.
As Miss Finland was disqualified due to racial discrimination, ruling party lawmakers protested by collectively posting photos of themselves pulling their eyes. From left, Finnish Members of Parliament Juho Eerola, Kaisa Garedew, and Sebastian Tunginen. Screenshot from SNS
As the controversy grew, the Miss Finland organizing committee held internal discussions and, on December 11, stripped Jafche of her title. The committee stated, "Miss Finland is a person who represents the nation," and emphasized, "Racial discrimination cannot be tolerated in any form." Although Jafche publicly apologized at a press conference, saying, "I deeply apologize, especially to the Asian community," the decision was not reversed. However, an unexpected backlash soon emerged in Finnish politics. Lawmakers from the far-right Finns Party posted photos and videos on social media mimicking the controversial gesture in support of Jafche.
Juho Eerola, a member of the Finns Party, changed his social media profile photo to one of himself pulling his eyes and added the phrase, "I am Sarah." In an interview with local media, he explained, "It was an act to criticize the beauty pageant organization's excessive response and to support Jafche," and insisted, "I had no intention of mocking Chinese or Korean people." However, as the controversy intensified, he added, "If anyone felt offended, I apologize." Kaisa Garedew, another Finns Party lawmaker, and Sebastian Tunginen, a Member of the European Parliament, also posted photos and videos of themselves making the same gesture. Tunginen argued, "It was just humor using stereotypes, not racism," and insisted, "Not every unpleasant expression should be immediately labeled as racism."
Coalition Tensions Emerge Over Defense of 'Eye Slanting' Gesture
These actions have drawn strong criticism from both the ruling and opposition parties. Anders Adlercreutz, Minister of Education, condemned the behavior as "irresponsible, childish, and foolish," adding, "Anyone can see this is an act that insults others." Pia Kauma, a lawmaker from the center-right National Coalition Party (NCP), also stressed the need for an early response, warning, "If such gestures are left unchecked, racial discrimination could become normalized."
The opposition also voiced fierce objections. Fatim Diarra, a member of the Green League, stated, "The Finns Party cannot unilaterally decide what constitutes racism," and publicly questioned the Prime Minister, asking, "Where is the government's promised 'zero tolerance' principle?" Minja Koskela, leader of the Left Alliance, pointed out, "This is an attempt to distract the public from economic and welfare issues by stirring up a cultural debate."
Sarah Zapche, who was stripped of her beauty pageant winner title due to 'eye slanting'. Photo by SNS·AP Yonhap News
Nevertheless, the Finns Party leadership defended its lawmakers. Jani M?kel?, the party's parliamentary leader, declared, "I fully support my colleagues' actions," and argued, "Stripping the Miss Finland title is a social injustice that deserves thorough criticism." Riikka Purra, leader of the Finns Party and Minister of Finance, also stated, "Many Finns empathize with Jafche," and claimed, "There is a perception that this is an excessive witch hunt." However, the Finnish government said it would discuss the issue according to coalition procedures. There is skepticism, however, about whether the 'sanction mechanism' introduced after previous racist remarks by Finns Party lawmakers will actually be enforced in this case.
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