Hallituslaiset

Hallituslaiset is a Finnish political term used to describe the members of the governing coalition who support the government in the Parliament. The term is informal and not part of formal titles or offices; it appears in media, political commentary, and parliamentary debate to refer to the bloc that backs the cabinet's program.

The scope of hallituslaiset typically includes MPs from the coalition parties who are part of the government or who publicly align with the cabinet's policies. They are expected to vote in line with the government on key issues such as the budget, confidence votes, and other critical legislation. The concept helps distinguish the governing side from the opposition when discussing voting behavior, party discipline, or the stability of the government's majority.

Composition can vary over time: when a government is formed, the initial hallituslaiset are the coalition MPs; if a party withdraws from the government or if a backbench member defies the party line, the balance can shift. The term does not denote a formal committee or body, but describes a political alignment within the Eduskunta (Finnish Parliament) and the government as a whole. In analyses, hallituslaiset are contrasted with opposition MPs, who belong to parties outside the governing coalition or who oppose the cabinet's program.