Finland prime minister survives confidence vote over Helsinki project

Finland's Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and his government survived confidence votes over their handling of a plan to develop the Garden Helsinki complex, a large project anchored by a 19,000-seat stadium.

The opposition had accused Orpo's government of a lack of transparency and criticised lobbying around the project after weeks of controversy. The complex is planned as a privately funded development with an estimated total cost of about 800 million euros, or $40 million, and would also include a hotel and residential buildings.

On Monday, Orpo said the government was dropping support for the project and withdrawing a promise to make a conditional contribution of 35 million euros.

Orpo and his government won the confidence votes on Tuesday. Each vote was 101 in favour and 90 against.

Before the vote, Orpo rejected claims that he had been influenced in decision-making around the project. He defended the development as a boost to the economy and the construction sector.