Pääministeri

Pääministeri is the Finnish term for the prime minister, the head of government in Finland’s parliamentary system. The position leads the government, sets policy priorities, and coordinates work across ministries. The prime minister is typically the leader of the party or coalition with the most influence in parliament and serves as the central figure in forming and steering the cabinet’s program.

Appointment and confidence: The president appoints the prime minister after consultations with the parliament, and the prime minister-designate forms a government that includes ministers from the coalition or parties backing the program. The Government as a whole must win the confidence of the Eduskunta (parliament). If the government loses a confidence vote, it generally must resign and a new government is formed, often with a different prime minister leading the process.

Role and functions: The prime minister chairs cabinet meetings, coordinates policy across ministries, and oversees the government administration. The Government’s Secretariat, known as the Valtioneuvoston kanslia, supports the prime minister and the cabinet in planning and implementing policy. The prime minister represents domestic policy and day-to-day governance, including work with the European Union and international partners.

Relation to the president and foreign policy: In Finland, foreign policy is a shared responsibility between the government and the president. The president handles overarching bilateral relations and ceremonial duties, while the prime minister leads the government’s policy agenda and implements it, including EU matters and international cooperation.

Term and tenure: There is no fixed term for a spill; the prime minister serves as long as the government retains parliamentary confidence and can be replaced following elections or a new coalition agreement. The term ends with resignation, a vote of no confidence, or the formation of a new government.