'Proud mama': Roberta Mestola's son drafted for Finnish military

Roberta Metsola’s son has been drafted for the Finnish military.

The President of the European Parliament announced the news on a Facebook post, saying she is a “proud mama” and a “proud European.”

Metsola’s husband, Ukko Metsola, is a Finnish national. 

Finland’s military draft requires all male citizens to serve 165, 255, or 347 days in service upon turning 18. 

Women are allowed to serve voluntarily.

Finnish nationals also have the option of non-military civil service lasting 347 days.

Upon completing mandatory service, a person remains responsible for national defense duties until age 60 or 65.

Roberta Metsola has been one of the most vocal advocates for military suport to Ukraine, earning her rebuke from Malta’s Labour Party, mainly centered around the island’s constitutional neutrality.

She advocates for building “European strategic defense autonomy” by emulating countries like Finland.