Hallitusvastuu

Hallitusvastuu refers to the legal and political accountability of a government in Finland. This concept encompasses several dimensions. Politically, the government is accountable to the Parliament (Eduskunta). Parliament can express a vote of no confidence in the government or individual ministers, which can lead to resignations. This political accountability ensures that the government acts in accordance with the will of the elected representatives. Legally, ministers can be held accountable for their actions in office through the Council for State Responsibility (Valtioneuvoston oikeusasiamies) or, in more serious cases, through a High Court of Impeachment (Valtakunnanoikeus) for crimes committed during their tenure. The principle of hallitusvastuu is a cornerstone of Finnish parliamentary democracy, aiming to ensure good governance and the rule of law.