Luottamuslause

Luottamuslause, literally “vote of confidence” in Finnish, is a formal parliamentary mechanism by which the confidence of the Parliament is tested in the government or in a specific minister. It is used to determine whether the government retains the support necessary to govern. It can be directed at the entire government or at an individual minister, and may be initiated by Members of Parliament or by parliamentary committees depending on the jurisdiction. The motion is debated according to the parliamentary rules and then put to a vote. If the majority votes in favor of the luottamuslause, the targeted government or minister is considered to have lost confidence and must resign; the President designates a successor or a new cabinet is formed, potentially triggering a new government or elections. If the motion does not pass, the government continues in office.

In Finland, luottamuslause is part of the constitutional framework that ensures parliamentary accountability. The government is expected to maintain the confidence of the Eduskunta (Parliament). The mechanism acts as a check on executive power and can lead to a reshuffle or early elections when used.

The term is linguistically distinct from similar concepts in other Nordic and European democracies, where the instrument is generally termed “motion of no confidence” or “vote of confidence.” While procedures vary, the underlying principle is the same: the government must retain parliamentary support to govern.