Suprajohteista

Suprajohteista, also known as superjohteista, is a term used in the context of Finnish politics and society to refer to individuals who hold high-ranking positions in both the government and the business sector. The term is derived from the Finnish words "supra" meaning "above" and "johteista" meaning "leader" or "director". These individuals are often seen as having significant influence over policy-making and economic decisions, which can raise concerns about conflicts of interest and the potential for undue influence.

The phenomenon of suprajohteista has been a subject of debate and scrutiny in Finland, particularly since the 1990s. Critics argue that the concentration of power in the hands of a few individuals can lead to corruption, nepotism, and a lack of accountability. Proponents, however, contend that the close ties between government and business can foster innovation, efficiency, and economic growth.

Notable examples of suprajohteista include former Finnish Prime Minister Paavo Lipponen, who also served as the CEO of Nokia, and former President Tarja Halonen, who was a member of the board of directors of several major Finnish companies. The issue of suprajohteista has also been linked to the broader debate on the role of the state in the Finnish economy and the balance between public and private interests.