Arhinmäki said that the two MPs, Markus Mustajärvi and Jyrki Yrttiaho, will be able to distinguish themselves from the other opposition parties, gain new funding, and increase their scope for action.
Arhinmäki still feels that the pair’s expulsion this spring was unfortunate. He anticipates future co-operation with the new grouping, despite the division between government and opposition parties.
”It is a little like on the football field, where players should follow the same tactics,” said Arhinmäki, a keen football fan. ”But supporters, and those members that are in the stands, they can shout their instructions and criticism. And that’s what I do myself in the stands at football matches.”