Time: Tuesday, September 3rd at 3:00 PM onwards (registration for September 7th and 27th will open later)
Location: Helsinki city center
Registration closes: Sunday, September 1st at 6:00 11:59:59! PM
"According to the UN Secretary-General, the 'era of global boiling' has begun." – Suomenmaa, August 8, 2023
Our house is on fire.
According to the latest measurement and research data, we are accelerating towards catastrophe. 2023 was the hottest year on Earth in 100,000 years, and 2024 might be even hotter. In July, we already recorded the highest average temperatures in Earth's measurement history for two consecutive days. Sea temperatures have been continuously breaking historical records for over a year, and Australia's national treasure, the Great Barrier Reef, is on the brink of destruction.
This year, we exceeded the 1.5-degree threshold of the Paris Agreement for the first time, and during this century, we are heading towards a catastrophic three-degree warming.
At the same time, Finland's current government has practically renounced its legally binding 2035 carbon neutrality goal. Instead, it's pouring more fuel on the fire by spending over 4 billion euros annually on environmentally harmful subsidies. This is on par with basic healthcare expenditure and more than all unemployment benefits paid in our country combined.
Finland's government is knowingly acting against the constitution, climate law, and the Paris Agreement. We cannot stand idly by while the government takes actions that lead to the mass murder of ourselves and billions of others.
Tell the truth: The government must prepare a detailed report on the full extent of environmentally destructive subsidies.
Act now: Environmentally harmful subsidies must be abolished.
Strengthen democracy through a citizens' forum: Citizens must be involved in deciding on fair environmental policies.
Just transition: Communities suffering most from the eco-crisis must be prioritized.
If you're interested in reading more about why we're organizing the campaign and what we're aiming for, you can read more at: elokapina.fi/kiehumispiste
During June, we organized the largest series of civil disobedience demonstrations in Finland's recent history! The Storm Warning, with over 2,000 participants, is not the end of Elokapina's new era, but its sparking beginning. In the autumn campaign, Boiling Point, we build on the successes of Storm Warning and make our voices and demands heard at the highest tables of politics.
This time, we aim to direct our message more strongly to decision-makers. We'll be present when Parliament returns from summer recess, and the government begins its budget negotiations. On Tuesday, we have a unique opportunity to use the power and experience we gathered in Storm Warning and direct it to the core of economic decision-making. By acting together and focusing our strength on the same place and time, we amplify our voice so that it can no longer be ignored. We demand decision-makers to act now before it's too late. On the demonstration day, Tuesday, September 3rd, you'll participate in a march and a prominent road blockade.
You can participate in the demonstration as a demonstrator, in a support role, or as a support demonstrator. Demonstrators are required to complete Elokapina's civil disobedience preparation training (Join Elokapina Part 2: civil disobedience training, or Join Storm Warning, or fast-track training). On demonstration days, Join Elokapina Part 2: civil disobedience training sessions will also be organized before the demonstration, after which you can participate directly in the demonstration. Those participating in support roles are required to complete either Join Elokapina Part 1: onboarding or Join Elokapina Part 2: civil disobedience training (Join Elokapina Part 1: onboarding is recommended). The registration platform will also guide you to participate in the necessary training directly during registration.
Acting in a support role or as a support demonstrator does not involve civil disobedience. Support demonstrating also doesn't require Join Elokapina training. The best way to get information about different roles and how to act in them is to register, which will give you access to the right communication channels.
The right to demonstrate is broad, and street demonstrations are completely normal and legal in Finland. However, based on the police's previous unlawful approach, it's good to be prepared for evacuation orders that violate the Assembly Act in the demonstrator role, which we are ready to resist nonviolently if necessary. Numbers bring safety – the more demonstrators on the streets, the harder it is for the police to detain demonstrators and issue illegal fines. Once we reach critical mass, police resources become overwhelmed, the pressure to act shifts from the police to politicians, and we create concrete political pressure.
Later will be too late – the future of the planet is being determined now. So come and be part of the wave of change that has power, starting September 3rd! ⧖
Registration for this action is not possible at the moment.
As a demonstrator, you are ready to take part in a street march and protesting in a road block that is protected by right to assembly. If the police continues their illegal interpretation of the assembly law and issues an illegal order to leave or move, you also have the ability to resist the order by staying in the street and being detained. By doing so, you will show that you do not accept the state's inaction on the climate crisis, nor its attempts to disperse or move climate protests away from the purposeful location. It is always up to each demonstrator to decide on his or her capacity to resist the police order. However, there is clear evidence from past demonstrations that it is more difficult and slower for the police to carry out a dismantling of a demonstration in violation of the assembly law if the number of demonstrators ready to be detained is high. This is also empirically the best way to achieve political effectiveness.
If you are willing to be arrested, you are also prepared to accept the consequences of insubordination, i.e. a momentary loss of freedom by being detained, as well as a possible fine (usually a fine for insubordination, around 10-20 day fines). In some cases, however, charges have not been brought at all. If charges are brought and the court rules against the protesters, the fines become payable approximately 1-2.5 years after the protest, after the trial has ended.
For this role, you must have completed one of Elokapina's civil disobedience training courses: Join Elokapina Part 2 training (or during the Storm Warning campaign, the Join the Storm Warning training or the the fast track training). If you have previously attended a training from another organisation or movement, we recommend that you attend at least the fast track training.
A support demonstrator is involved in encouraging and supporting protesters who are ready to engage in civil disobedience. As a support demonstrator, you take part in a support demonstration, which is held in the immediate vicinity of the actual demonstration. However, you do not need to have any previous experience of protesting, nor do you need to be trained or prepared to be arrested. Support demonstrators play an important role in increasing the size and visibility of demonstrations and creating a safe atmosphere for other participants.
Arrestee Support personnel provide assistance to protesters immediately after their release from detention. They wait at the custody facility where detainees are taken, ensuring the well-being of those released by offering refreshments, information, and guidance. Custody Support also notifies the personal support contacts of those who have been released. Their work is an important community effort - in addition to providing practical help, their role involves being present and offering emotional support.
Police Contacts act as a link between protesters and the police, relaying messages back and forth and trying to prevent conflicts through constructive dialogue. Legal Observers monitor the actions of authorities, document events, and ensure the legal rights of protesters are upheld. These groups operate impartially towards both protesters and authorities, with the goal of facilitating a peaceful and lawful demonstration.
The Outreach and De-escalation group acts as a link between protesters and bystanders. Their role is to calm any frustrated bystanders, prevent conflict situations through dialogue, and clearly and politely communicate the purpose of the demonstration. The group shares information about the protest and invites passersby to join the movement. Openness, positivity, and strong interpersonal skills are key in this role.
The Well-being and First Aid group is responsible for ensuring the well-being and safety of protesters. The group includes general well-being personnel, first aid personnel, and harassment liaisons. During the demonstration, the group monitors the overall atmosphere and provides support, both mentally and physically, as needed. It also provides snacks, refreshments, and rest areas for demonstration participants. The role of the group is to create a safe and comfortable environment for all participants.