Valtioneuvos facts for kids

Valtioneuvos (pronounced Val-tee-oh-NEH-vohs) is a very special honor in Finland. It means "counsellor of state" in Finnish. The President of Finland gives this important title to older, respected leaders who have done a lot for the country.

This title is one of the two highest honors given by the Finnish government. It shows that the person has had a long and important career in public service. When someone is suggested for this title, a large fee (either 48,400 euros or 12,100 euros) needs to be paid. This shows how highly valued and rare the title is.

Who Are the Valtioneuvos?

The title of Valtioneuvos is given to people who have served Finland in very important roles. These people have often been Presidents, Prime Ministers, or Speakers of Parliament. They have helped shape Finland's history.

Important People with the Valtioneuvos Title

Here are some of the notable people who have received this high honor:

• Juho Kusti Paasikivi (1870–1956)
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    Juho Kusti Paasikivi
  • Awarded: 1930 by President Lauri Kristian Relander
  • Juho Kusti Paasikivi was a very important leader. He served as both the President and the Prime Minister of Finland. He was also a member of parliament. He belonged to the Finnish Party and later the National Coalition Party.

• E. N. Setälä (1864–1935)
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    E. N. Setälä
  • Awarded: 1934 by President P. E. Svinhufvud
  • E. N. Setälä was a cabinet minister and a member of parliament. He was part of the Young Finnish Party and the National Coalition Party.

• Eero Yrjö Pehkonen (1882–1949)
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    Eero Yrjö Pehkonen
  • Awarded: 1948 by President Juho Kusti Paasikivi
  • Eero Yrjö Pehkonen was a Provincial Governor, a member of parliament, and a cabinet minister. He was a member of the Agrarian League.

• Karl-August Fagerholm (1901–1984)
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    Karl-August Fagerholm
  • Awarded: 1969 by President Urho Kekkonen
  • Karl-August Fagerholm was a Speaker of Parliament and a Prime Minister. He was a member of the Social Democratic Party of Finland.

• Martti Miettunen (1907–2002)
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    Martti Miettunen
  • Awarded: 1977 by President Urho Kekkonen
  • Martti Miettunen served as Speaker of Parliament, a member of parliament, and a Prime Minister. He belonged to the Center Party.

• Johannes Virolainen (1914–2000)
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    Johannes Virolainen
  • Awarded: 1989 by President Mauno Koivisto
  • Johannes Virolainen was also a Speaker of Parliament, a member of parliament, and a Prime Minister. He was a member of the Center Party.

• Harri Holkeri (1937–2011)
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    Harri Holkeri
  • Awarded: 1998 by President Martti Ahtisaari
  • Harri Holkeri served as Prime Minister and a member of parliament. He was part of the National Coalition Party.

• Riitta Uosukainen (1942–)
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    Riitta Uosukainen
  • Awarded: 2004 by President Tarja Halonen
  • Riitta Uosukainen was a Speaker of Parliament, a member of parliament, and a minister. She belonged to the National Coalition Party.

• Matti Vanhanen (1955–)
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    Matti Vanhanen
  • Awarded: 2024 by President Alexander Stubb
  • Matti Vanhanen has served as Prime Minister and Speaker of Parliament. He is a member of the Center Party.