Parliament of Finland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Parliament of FinlandSuomen eduskunta Finlands riksdag |
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|---|---|
| 39th Parliament of Finland | |
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| Type | |
| Type | |
| History | |
| Founded | 9 May 1906 |
| Preceded by | Diet of Finland |
| Leadership | |
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Jussi Halla-aho, Finns Party
Since 21 June 2023 |
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First deputy speaker
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Paula Risikko, National Coalition Party
Since 21 June 2023 |
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Second deputy speaker
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Tarja Filatov, Social Democratic Party
Since 12 April 2023 |
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Petteri Orpo, National Coalition Party
Since 20 June 2023 |
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Riikka Purra, Finns Party
Since 20 June 2023 |
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| Structure | |
| Seats | 200 |
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Political groups
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Government (109)
Opposition (90)
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| Committees |
Grand
Constitutional Law Foreign Affairs Finance Audit Employment and Equality Administration Legal Affairs Transport and Communications Agriculture and Forestry Defence Education and Culture Social Affairs and Health Commerce Intelligence Future Environment |
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Length of term
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4 years |
| Salary | €7,137 monthly |
| Elections | |
| Open list proportional representation | |
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Last election
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2 April 2023 |
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Next election
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18 April 2027 |
| Meeting place | |
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| Parliament House, Helsinki | |
| Constitution | |
| Constitution of Finland | |
The Parliament of Finland (called Suomen eduskunta in Finnish and Finlands riksdag in Swedish) is Finland's main law-making body. It is a unicameral legislature, meaning it has one main group of lawmakers. The Parliament was started on May 9, 1906.
In Finland, the people hold the highest power. The Parliament uses this power for them, following the Constitution of Finland. There are 200 members in Parliament. Most of these members are chosen every four years in elections. They come from 13 different areas across Finland. One member always comes from the Åland islands.
The Parliament has many important jobs. It creates new laws and decides how the country's money (the state budget) will be spent. It also approves agreements with other countries. The Parliament watches over what the government does. It can even ask the government to resign if it loses trust. The Parliament meets in the beautiful Parliament House in central Helsinki.
The most recent elections for Parliament happened on April 2, 2023. After these elections, a new government was formed. It includes the National Coalition Party, the Finns Party, the Swedish People's Party of Finland, and the Christian Democrats. Because no single party usually wins enough seats to govern alone, different parties often work together to form a coalition government.
Contents
Understanding the Parliament's Name
Finnish Name
The Parliament's name in Finnish is eduskunta. This word was created in 1906 when the Parliament began. It means something like an 'Assembly of Representatives'. This term is mostly used for Finland's Parliament. However, it can also describe similar law-making bodies in other countries.
Swedish Name
In Swedish, the Parliament is called riksdag. This is also the general name for the Swedish Parliament. The word riksdag comes from two older words. Rike means 'realm' or 'state', referring to independent Finland. Dag means a meeting or conference. Before Finland became fully independent, its Parliament was known as lantdagen in Swedish. This was an older term for the Diet of Finland.
A Look at Parliament's History
Before the modern Parliament of Finland, there was the Diet of Finland. This Diet took over from the Riksdag of the Estates in 1809. When the Parliament of Finland was created in 1906, Finland was a special area called a grand duchy. It was part of the Imperial Russian Empire. The Russian Tsar ruled Finland as its Grand Duke.
Finland was one of the first countries in the world to give everyone the right to vote. This meant that both men and women could vote and run for office. Even people without land could vote. The first elections for Parliament were held in 1907. In that first Parliament, 19 women became representatives. This was a very large number for that time. By 1913, there were 21 female representatives.
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The early years of the new Parliament were challenging. Between 1908 and 1916, the Russian Tsar Nicholas II greatly reduced the Parliament's power. New elections were held almost every year during this time.
The Finnish Parliament gained real political power after the February Revolution in Russia in 1917. Finland then declared its full independence on December 6, 1917. In 1918, Finland experienced a civil war. After the war, people debated what kind of government Finland should have. Some wanted a king (monarchists), while others wanted a republic with a president (republicans).
In 1919, the republican parties won most of the seats in Parliament. Finland became a republic with a parliamentary system. However, the President of Finland was given strong powers to satisfy those who wanted a powerful leader.
During the Winter War in 1939, when the Soviet Union attacked Finland, the Parliament moved temporarily. It met in Kauhajoki, a town far from the fighting. Later, during renovations of the Parliament House from 2015 to 2017, Parliament met in the nearby Sibelius Academy.
The Constitution of 1919 set up the parliamentary system. For many years, the President had a lot of power. Over time, the Parliament's powers grew. In 1991, important changes were made to the constitution. The revised Finnish constitution in 2000 gave the President fewer domestic powers. This made the government and Parliament stronger. It also set rules for how Parliament discusses new laws from the European Union.
The Parliament of Finland has been dissolved early a few times in its history. This means new elections were held before the usual four-year term ended. The last time this happened was on June 4, 1975.
How Elections Work
Finland's Parliament has 200 representatives. They are chosen directly by voters in elections. These elections happen every four years. The voting day is usually the third Sunday of April in an election year.
Every Finnish citizen who is at least 18 years old on election day can vote. You usually don't need to register. Citizens receive an invitation to vote by mail. Most voters can also run to become a member of Parliament. Political parties nominate candidates. Individuals can also run if enough voters support them.
Finland is divided into 13 electoral districts for elections. Each district gets a number of representatives based on its population. However, the Åland islands always elect one representative. The Ministry of Justice is in charge of making sure elections run smoothly.
The President of Finland can call for an early election. This can only happen if the Prime Minister suggests it. The President must also talk with the parliamentary groups first.
There is no strict rule for how many votes a party needs to get a seat in Parliament. This means many different parties can be represented. For example, in 2019, nine parties won seats. Because so many parties are in Parliament, it is very rare for one party to win more than half of the seats. In fact, only once, in 1916, did a single party win a majority. This means that most Finnish governments are coalition governments. These are formed when several parties work together to get enough seats to govern.
The seats for each electoral district are given out using a system called the D'Hondt method.
Parliamentary Groups
Members of Parliament (MPs) work in groups called parliamentary groups (eduskuntaryhmä in Finnish). These groups usually match the different political parties. Sometimes, an MP might leave their party group and form their own. As of September 2019, there were nine such groups.
Each group tries to agree on a common position for different issues. If they can't agree, they might vote within the group. This group position then guides how MPs vote in Parliament. However, MPs can vote freely on matters where there is no party rule or government policy. Leaders of major parliamentary groups are very important political figures.
Each parliamentary group gets money to help with its work. They can also have their own staff.
How the Government is Formed
The President of Finland talks with the Speaker of Parliament and leaders of the parliamentary groups. They discuss who should form the new Finnish Government. The Parliament then elects the Prime Minister. The President officially appoints the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister is usually the most powerful politician in Finland. Other ministers are chosen by the President based on the Prime Minister's suggestions.
Even though Parliament doesn't appoint individual ministers, it can remove them. If Parliament loses trust in a minister, it can pass a motion of no confidence. The entire government must also have the trust of Parliament. If Parliament passes a motion of no confidence against the whole government, the government must resign. All ministers in the government are responsible for the government's decisions together.
Before the Prime Minister is elected, the parliamentary groups talk to each other. They decide on the government's plans and who will be in the government. After these talks, the President tells Parliament who is nominated for Prime Minister. Parliament then votes. If the nominee gets enough votes, they become Prime Minister. Because Finland almost always has coalition governments, MPs from the coalition parties usually vote together. This helps ensure the government has a majority.
Parliament Sessions
The Parliament usually meets in two terms each year. The first term is from January to June, and the second is from September to December. At the start of a new annual session, political leaders and guests attend a special service. Then, the President officially opens the session at the Parliament House.
On the first day of each annual session, Parliament chooses a Speaker and two Deputy Speakers from its members. The oldest MP leads this election. The Speaker and Deputy Speakers take a special oath. They promise to protect the rights of the people, Parliament, and the government of Finland.
During each annual session, Parliament also chooses its representatives for the Nordic Council and the Council of Europe. It also elects five of its members to serve on the High Court of Impeachment.
Parliament's Committees
The Parliament has 17 committees. Most committees have 17 permanent members. The Grand Committee has 25 members, and the Finance Committee has 21. The Audit and Intelligence Oversight Committees each have 11 members. Each MP is usually a member of about two committees.
Most committees focus on specific topics. The Grand Committee handles matters related to the European Union. It also has other important tasks. Finland does not have a special court to check if laws follow the constitution. So, the Constitutional Law Committee makes sure new laws are constitutional. The Committee for the Future is also special. It looks at future trends and advises other committees. The newest committee, created in 2019, is the Intelligence Oversight Committee.
- Grand Committee
- Constitutional Law Committee
- Foreign Affairs Committee
- Finance Committee
- Audit Committee
- Administration Committee
- Legal Affairs Committee
- Transport and Communications Committee
- Agriculture and Forestry Committee
- Defence Committee
- Education and Culture Committee
- Social Affairs and Health Committee
- Commerce Committee
- Committee for the Future
- Employment and Equality Committee
- Environment Committee
- Intelligence Oversight Committee
How Parliament Works
Making Finnish Laws
Most new laws discussed in Parliament come from the government. However, any MP or group of MPs can suggest a new law. A newer way to propose laws started in 2012. Citizens can suggest a law if 50,000 eligible voters support it within six months. Once submitted, Parliament handles it like any other proposed law.
First, MPs discuss a proposed law. Then, it goes to the right committee. If a law affects many areas, the Grand Committee might ask other committees for their opinions. If there are questions about whether a law follows the constitution, the Constitutional Law Committee gives its opinion. This committee works without favoring any party and uses legal experts. If the committee finds parts that don't follow the constitution, the law must be changed or passed as a constitutional change. Usually, the law is changed.
Committees give the final shape to proposed laws. Committee meetings are private, but their discussions are made public later. Committees often listen to experts and different groups. Then they make changes to the law.
Parliament discusses the committee's suggested law in two sessions. In the first session, MPs talk about the law and prepare its final form. They discuss the general idea and then specific parts. They can choose between the committee's version or other suggestions. In the second session, the final version of the law is either approved or rejected.
If a law changes the constitution, the second session usually happens after the next election. However, Parliament can decide it's urgent by a large majority. For constitutional changes, a two-thirds majority is needed to pass the law. For most other laws, a simple majority of votes is enough.
International agreements that need changes to Finnish laws are usually approved by a simple majority. Agreements that change the constitution or Finland's borders need a two-thirds majority.
Handling European Union Laws
The Council of the European Union and the European Parliament make laws for the European Union. However, Finland's Parliament actively helps shape the Finnish government's views on these laws.
Discussions about EU matters in Parliament's committees are usually public. But the government can ask for a secret discussion if it doesn't want other countries to know its position before negotiations start.
When the European Commission proposes new EU laws, the Finnish government brings them to the Grand Committee. The Grand Committee discusses these proposals privately. It may ask other Parliament committees for their opinions. Both the Grand Committee and other committees listen to experts. Finally, the Grand Committee forms its opinion on the proposal. For matters about the EU's relationships with other countries, the Committee for Foreign and Security Policy forms Finland's view.
The Finnish government must follow Parliament's opinion when discussing EU matters with the European Commission and other EU countries. If the government changes Finland's stance, it must tell Parliament right away.
After the EU makes a law that Finland must follow, it comes back to Parliament. At this point, Finland is committed to passing a law that meets the EU's requirements. Parliament must then vote accordingly.
Other Parliamentary Actions
Every MP can ask the government written questions. A minister responsible for the topic answers these questions in writing within 21 days. These questions do not lead to further discussion. Parliament also holds questioning sessions. In these, MPs can ask short verbal questions. Ministers answer them, and Parliament discusses the answers.
Any group of twenty MPs can ask for a special debate called an interpellation. This can be about the whole government or a specific minister. It starts with a question, and the minister replies. If Parliament decides it has lost trust, it can pass a motion of censure. This can cause the government to resign.
The government can also give a report to Parliament on any matter. After discussion, Parliament can accept the report or pass a motion of censure. If a motion of censure is passed, the government must step down.
If there are questions about whether a minister acted correctly in their job, any group of 10 MPs can raise the issue. The Constitutional Committee will then investigate. After its report, Parliament decides if the minister should face a special court called the High Court of Impeachment. Other officials, like the Chancellor of Justice or the Parliamentary Ombudsman, can also be investigated. The President of Finland can also be investigated for very serious actions against the country's safety. However, Parliament must agree to this by a large majority.
Members of Parliament
Members of Parliament are not like regular employees. They cannot simply resign or be fired. They can only be given leave or dismissed if Parliament agrees. MPs have parliamentary immunity. This means they cannot be sued for things they say or do during parliamentary work without Parliament's approval. They also cannot be stopped from doing their job as MPs. For other serious actions, they can only be arrested or imprisoned if Parliament gives permission.
MPs receive a monthly payment of about €7,137. This amount increases after four and twelve years of service. They also get a tax-free payment for expenses, ranging from €987 to €1,809. This helps MPs who live far from Helsinki pay for a second home there. MPs can travel for free within Finland by train, bus, or plane for their work. They can also use taxis freely in the Helsinki metropolitan area. Parliament manages its own money.
MPs have personal assistants to help them. Not every MP has one, as there are fewer assistants than MPs. These assistants work for the Parliamentary Office but are chosen and guided by the MP.
If an MP is elected to the European Parliament, they must choose between the two parliaments. They cannot be a member of both. However, MPs can hold positions in local city councils. If an MP leaves Parliament or passes away, they are replaced by a candidate from the same list they were elected from. Finland does not hold special elections for these empty seats.
MPs have the right to speak freely on topics. However, they must act in a "solemn and dignified manner" and avoid personal insults. If an MP breaks this rule, the Speaker can interrupt them. For serious rule-breaking, Parliament can suspend an MP from office for two weeks. If an MP is found responsible for certain serious actions, Parliament can decide to dismiss them.
As of 2022, the average age of MPs was 50 years old. The oldest MP was 76, and the youngest was 28. In the 2019 election, 94 women were elected (47% of MPs). About 8% of Finland's population was born abroad. Currently, 4 MPs (2%) were born outside Finland. About 7% of MPs speak Swedish, which is a bit higher than their share of the general population (5.2%).
Parliament House
Before the current Parliament House was built, Parliament met in different places. The old Diet of Finland met in various buildings in Porvoo and later in Helsinki. When the modern 200-member Parliament started in 1906, they first met in a local fire brigade house. This was because there wasn't enough space in the older buildings. Later, in 1911, they moved to the Heimola House.
In 1923, a competition was held to find a place for a new Parliament House. Arkadianmäki in Helsinki was chosen. An architectural competition followed in 1924. The winning design was by Johan Sigfrid Sirén. The building was constructed from 1926 to 1931. It was officially opened on March 7, 1931. Since then, it has been the site of many important moments in Finland's history.
Parliament House was designed in the classic style of the 1920s. Its outside is made of reddish Kalvola granite. The front has fourteen columns with special tops. The first floor has the main lobby, reception rooms, a newspaper room, and a restaurant. Marble staircases lead up to the fifth floor.
The second floor is the main floor. It has the Chamber, where MPs meet. There are galleries for the public, media, and diplomats to watch. This floor also has the Hall of State, corridors for the Speaker and Government, and a cafeteria.
The third floor has facilities for information and media. It also has committee rooms. The fourth floor is mainly for committees. The largest rooms here are the Grand Committee Room and the Finance Committee Room. The fifth and sixth floors have meeting rooms and offices for the parliamentary groups.
Later additions to the building include a library annex in 1978. A separate office building, called Pikkuparlamentti, was completed in 2004. The building had major renovations from 2007 to 2017. These were done to prepare for Finland's 100th independence celebration.
Images for kids
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The Diet of Porvoo is opened by Tsar Alexander I in 1809.
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The first session of the new Parliament in 1907.
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The Finnish Senate of 1917, Prime Minister P. E. Svinhufvud in the head of table.
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The Grand Committee Room
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The Session Hall of the Parliament.
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Parliament House in central Helsinki
See also
In Spanish: Parlamento de Finlandia para niños
