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Finnish Government

Government is a concept with several meanings. It may refer narrowly to the Government composed of the Prime Minister and the other ministers. It may also mean the broader organisational entity consisting of the ministries and the government plenary session format. It may at times refer only to the plenary session or to the ministers collectively. Usually it is clear from the context in which sense the term Government is used.

The current Finnish Government comprises 12 ministries. Each ministry is responsible for the preparation of matters within its mandate and for the proper functioning of administration.

The Prime Minister chairs the plenary sessions of the Government  and the statutory Ministerial Committees.

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Finnish Governments

Finnish Governments

Search information on the Finnish Governments, their compositions and Government Programmes throughout Finland’s independence – as of 1917.

Governments and ministers since 1917

  • Appointment and organisation »

    Before the Prime Minister’s election, the parties represented in the new Parliament negotiate on the political programme and composition of the Government.

  • How does the Government work? »

    Currently, the Finnish Government comprises 12 ministries. Each ministry is responsible for the preparation of matters within its mandate and for the proper functioning of administration.

  • Role of the Prime Minister »

    The Prime Minister directs the functions of the Government and supervises the implementation of the Government Programme.

  • Ministerial committees »

    There are four statutory Ministerial Committees. Ad hoc ministerial committees may also be appointed to prepare other than statutory matters.

  • Informal government meetings and ministerial working groups »

    Government evening sessions are informal meetings held between ministers. A number of significant decisions taken by the Government are discussed at a government evening session before being put to the government in plenary session.

  • EU affairs and the Finnish government »

    Main responsibility for the preparation, monitoring and determination of Finland's position in affairs relating to the European Union rests with the relevant ministries.

  • The Government and Parliament »

    Parliament's most important function is to exercise its legislative powers. Parliament has an independent right to submit legislative proposals, but in practice most decisions taken in Parliament are based on government proposals.

  • History »

    The War of Finland in 1808-09 brought the transfer of Finland from Swedish rule to become an autonomous grand duchy of the Russian empire. In 1809 the new Grand Duchy of Finland received its own central administration under the leadership of a Governing Council.

  • Premises »

    The main Government premises are located in the Government Palace by Senate Square.

 
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