Perustuslaeista

Perustuslaeista refers to constitutional law in Finland, including the Constitution Act and the body of fundamental rights and institutional rules that govern the state. It forms the supreme legal framework within which ordinary laws are enacted and interpreted.

The Constitution defines the basic structure of government: a parliamentary system with a 200-member Eduskunta (Parliament) that enacts laws and appoints the Government; the Government is led by the Prime Minister. The President’s role is largely representative and foreign-policy oriented. The Constitution also establishes the judiciary, including the Supreme Court and the Supreme Administrative Court, and protects the independence of the courts.

Fundamental rights and freedoms are central to perustuslaeista, covering freedom of expression, assembly, religion and conscience, privacy, equality and non-discrimination, and rights of minorities and the child. It also outlines language rights, with Finnish and Swedish as national languages, and guarantees essential civil liberties, education, property, and social rights.

In relation to other laws, constitutional provisions take precedence over ordinary acts. International treaties ratified by Parliament are generally binding, and EU law is applicable within Finland in accordance with constitutional principles. Constitutional amendments require approval in two successive Parliaments with an election between them, ensuring broad consensus before change.

History and scope: the current constitutional framework took final form around 1999–2000, with subsequent amendments adapting to changing circumstances such as European Union membership. Perustuslaeista are subject to constitutional scrutiny by designated institutions and courts to ensure compatibility with fundamental rights and the rule of law.