Finland: Government Profile
Overview of the Country’s Political Framework and Structure - 2008
Vladimir Lenin, soon after coming to power in the new Soviet Union, chose to acknowledge Finland’s declared independence because he felt the country was destined to fall under the control of a Communist Party. Within two years, Finland unexpectedly became a presidential republic.
Political System
The Republic of Finland is considered a parliamentary representative democratic republic, with the seat of government centered in the capital city, Helsinki. The country originally declared its independence from Russia on December 6, 1917. The national holiday is Independence Day, celebrated on December 6.
Finland’s current constitution was adopted on March 1, 2000. The document allows for universal suffrage at 18 years of age.
Administrative Regions
The Republic of Finland consists of 6 provinces (laanit):
- Aland
- Etela-Suomen Laani
- Ita-Suomen Laani
- Lansi-Suomen Laani
- Lappi
- Oulun Laani
Executive Branch
The President is Finland’s chief of state. This person is elected by popular vote to a six year term, and is eligible for a second term. Tarja Halonen, the current President, was elected to the position on March 1, 2000, and is serving his second term.
The head of government is the Prime Minister. Along with the Deputy Prime Minister, this person is appointed by the President from the majority party or coalition after parliamentary elections. Parliament must approve the appointment. Matti Vanhanen, the current Prime Minister, began his official duties on June 24, 2003. Jyrki Katainen, the current Deputy Prime Minister, assumed his duties on April 19, 2007.
Members of the Council of State (Vaitioneuvosto), or cabinet, are appointed by the President and are responsible to the Parliament. The current ministers are:
- Agriculture and Forestry - Sirkka-Liisa Anttila
- Communications - Suvi Linden
- Culture and Sport - Stefan Wallin
- Defense - Jyri Hakamies
- Education - Sari Sarkomaa
- Environment - Kimmo Tiilikainen
- Finance - Jyrki Katainen
- Foreign Affairs - Ilkka Kanerva
- Foreign Trade and Development - Paavo Vayrynen
- Health and Social Services - Paula Risikko
- Housing - Jan Vapaavuori
- Interior - Anne Holmlund
- Justice - Tuija Brax
- Labor - Tarja Cronberg
- Migration and European Affairs - Astrid Thors
- Public Administration and Local Government - Mari Kiviniemi
- Social Affairs and Health - Liisa Hyssaia
- Trade and Industry - Mauri Pekkarinen
- Transport - Anu Vehvilainen
Legislative Branch
The Finnish Parliament (Eduskunta) is a unicameral body consisting of 200 officials. Members are elected by popular vote via proportional representation to serve four year terms.
The current structure of Parliament, by political party is (number of seats):
- Center Party (Kesk) - 51
- National Coalition Party (Kok) - 50
- Social Democratic Party (SDP) - 45
- Left Alliance (VAS) - 17
- Green Party (VIHR) - 15
- Swedish People’s Party (SFP) - 9
- Christian Democrats (KD) - 7
- True Finns - 5
- Other - 1
Judicial Branch
The country’s judicial branch consists of the Supreme Court (Korkein Oikeus). Judges are appointed by the President.
Legal System
The Finnish legal system is a civil law entity based on Swedish law. The President may request the Supreme Court to review laws. The country has accepted compulsory International Court of Justice (ICJ) jurisdiction with reservations.
References
Barrientos, Miguel. Index Mundi. 2007.
Finnish Government Official Website.
