A dispute between Finland’s Minister of Social Affairs and Health, Wille Rydman, and Prime Minister Petteri Orpo is escalating over changes to funding criteria for STEA grants, which support social welfare organizations. Ministry officials have rapidly pushed forward with a decree change regarding these grants, prompting Rydman to publicly express bewilderment, stating “strange things are happening here.” The conflict stems from Rydman’s proposed criteria for STEA funding established in June, which Orpo’s National Coalition Party and the Swedish People’s Party oppose. The decree change was sent for comment without Rydman’s apparent full knowledge, furthering the tension. This suggests a power struggle within the government regarding the allocation of social welfare funds. The situation highlights disagreements on policy priorities and how welfare resources should be distributed. The rapid advancement of the decree is raising questions about transparency and internal government processes.