GETTY Euroscepticism is growing at a rapid rate in Finland

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Both front-runners for the leadership of The Finns, the second biggest party in northern European state, have now come out in favour of leaving the bloc - as well as possibly the euro. Jussi Halla-aho, a member of the European Parliament and an anti-immigration hardliner, nailed his flag firmly to the anti-union pole yesterday. He said it was “very clear” why Finland must follow the UK and get out of the EU - as well as the single currency.

Political reasons for quitting, especially the euro, are very clear Jussi Halla-aho

Mr Halla-aho said: “Political reasons for quitting, especially the euro, are very clear, and economical reasons are pretty clear too. I think this should be actively urged in the party.” He said last month: “Personally, I tend to think that a membership in the EU is not in Finland's strategic national interest.”

GETTY Jussi Halla-aho wants Finland to leave the EU and the eurozone

His comments come after his more moderate leadership rival Sampo Terho also hinted at a possible Fixit earlier this week. Mr Terho said: “The party is entering a new phase ... but values behind our policy will remain similar. "I am a critic of immigration too. But I consider myself moderate. I have a broad agenda on political issues.

“I think it is a central tenet of immigration policy for Finland to remove all the factors that attract asylum seekers to Finland.” These aims mark a huge shift for the party which, although eurosceptic, had been distancing itself from a full-on EU exit. Support for a break is growing, however, on the back of anger over the EU bailout of Greece, support for migrants and spending cuts.

GETTY Sampo Terho also believes EU membership is not in Finland's "national interest"

Last year, a petition demanding Finland break from the euro was signed by more than 53,000 people. The petition made it to parliament debate but was ditched by a pro-EU parliament committee. The party's current leader Timo Soini, and current deputy Prime Minister, has announced he intends to step down as chairman of The Finns.