Social Democratic MP Elisa Gebhard has criticised how National Coalition ministers have responded to Social Affairs and Health Minister Wille Rydman’s cut to research funding. According to Iltalehti, Rydman granted about four million euros to research projects, even though roughly eight million euros had been set aside.

Based on the official proposal and peer review, funding would have been awarded to 18 projects. The decision has raised questions about how the remaining budget was handled and what the cut means for research financing.

Gebhard’s comments also highlight the political tension around the issue inside the government. Only limited details have been made public so far, and the reasoning behind the funding decision has not been fully explained.