Finnish Government

Government is a concept with several meanings. It usually refers to the Government of Finland composed of the Prime Minister and the other ministers. The Government has 12 ministries and usually around 20 ministers.

The Government is an institution exercising the supreme executive power in Finland. It is a central part of Finland's political system. The Government is responsible for Finland's day-to-day administration and decision-making. Its actions have a significant impact on the everyday lives of Finnish people and on society as a whole.

Finland has a system of parliamentary democracy where Parliament, the country's supreme legislative body, oversees the Government's decisions.

Government Palace

The Government’s activities

The Prime Minister leads the Government’s work and oversees the implementation of the Government Programme. The ministers serve as the heads of their respective ministries and oversee their administrative branches. The Government makes its joint decisions at plenary sessions.

Role of the Prime Minister Ministries Sessions History and buildings
Government Palace

Prime Minister’s Office

The main task of the Prime Minister’s Office is to support the Prime Minister in the general management of the Government and in coordinating the work of the Government and Parliament. It is responsible for organising the Government’s activities and ensuring that the general conditions are in place for the Government to function properly in all circumstances.  

Services to the Government Management and organisation Financial and operational planning and monitoring Awards

Cross-administrative cooperation in the Government

The Prime Minister’s Office manages several cross-administrative projects and bodies that collaborate with different sectors and ministries. Multi-sectoral cooperation is an essential part of the work of the Prime Minister’s Office. Its goal is to advance the Government’s policies and strategic objective across ministerial boundaries. 

Arctic policy

The Arctic policy strategy defines Finland's key objectives in the Arctic region.The Prime Minister’s Office is responsible for coordinating Arctic policy.

Finnish National Commission on Sustainable Development

The Commission strives to integrate the strategic objectives of sustainable development into the national policy, administration and social practices.

Maritime policy

The key priorities of maritime policy are the protection of the seas, the maritime cluster, and marine production. The Prime Minister’s Office has the overall responsibility for coordinating and developing maritime policy in Finland.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission Concerning the Sámi People

The objective of the commission’s work is to gather Sámi people’s experiences of the actions of the Finnish state and authorities and their effects on the Sámi people, and to make this information visible. 

Promoting equality

A project on promoting equality, gender equality and non-discrimination in Finnish society.

Government’s analysis, assessment and research activities

The Government’s analysis, assessment and research activities generate information to support decision-making, operations and knowledge management.

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