Address by Minister Jan Vapaavuori at the press conference of Patria Oyj

The first thing to mention is that the responsibility for Patria’s ownership steering was transferred from Minister Häkämies to me right at the start of the current Cabinet’s term of office. The conflict of interests relating to the integrated duties of the Minister of Defence and the Minister responsible for state ownership steering and that affecting the granting of export licences to Patria was thus avoided.

Carrying out of a criminal investigation into the bribery allegations in a state majority-owned company is extremely severe and unfortunate. It is even more critical because Patria operates in an international, political environment. I will not comment on the investigation in other ways except by assuring that the matter is in the hands of Finland’s best investigation organisation which complies with its own working methods and schedules.

I wish to remind everyone that the state as an owner does not participate in decisions made about the company’s business operations. Decisions are made among the company’s Board of Directors and the President and CEO. The police investigation is incomplete and there is no need to point fingers at this time but the President and CEO is the one responsible for the organisation and its operations.

On behalf of the state, I wish to underline the importance of credibility and trust in all business. These qualities are strongly emphasized in a company like Patria. It is a great challenge to re-establish the trust and maintain the motivation of the personnel in this situation. Patria is both a good company and a good employer and it has to remain that way. I am very pleased that the new President and CEO is Heikki Allonen, a business leader with a long experience combined with well-earned respect.