Lausuntolaiset

Lausuntolaiset is a term used in Finland to refer to individuals or groups who provide a formal opinion or statement on a proposed piece of legislation or a significant policy matter. This process, known as lausuntomenettely, is a crucial part of the Finnish legislative drafting and decision-making process.

The primary purpose of lausuntolaiset is to gather diverse perspectives and expertise before a bill is finalized and submitted to Parliament. Ministries typically send draft legislation to a wide range of stakeholders, including government agencies, research institutions, non-governmental organizations, professional associations, trade unions, and sometimes even individual citizens or companies. These invited parties then have a designated period to review the proposal and submit their written feedback.

The feedback from lausuntolaiset can cover various aspects, such as the legal implications, economic effects, social consequences, technical feasibility, and alignment with existing policies. It helps identify potential problems, unintended consequences, or areas where the proposal could be improved. The ministry responsible for the legislation then reviews all submitted statements and may revise the draft accordingly. While not all suggestions are incorporated, the lausuntomenettely ensures transparency and allows for a more informed and well-rounded final proposal. The term "lausuntolaiset" itself literally translates to "statement-givers" or "opinion-givers."