Täysistunto

Täysistunto is a Finnish term meaning a plenary session, referring to a meeting in which the full assembly of a legislative or deliberative body participates. It contrasts with committee meetings or subgroups, where only a portion of the members are present. The term is commonly used for the plenary sessions of the Parliament and, in local government, for the full meetings of municipal councils.

In Finland’s Parliament (Eduskunta), a täysistunto is the central forum for debating and deciding on legislation, the state budget, and major government matters. The session is chaired by the Speaker of Parliament, and during a plenary MPs can speak on proposals, hear statements from ministers, and vote on bills and motions. Decisions are typically made by majority vote, with rules of procedure governing form, order, and quorum. Minutes and official records from these sessions are published and the proceedings are usually open to the public and often broadcast.

In local government, täysistunto refers to the full council meeting where all elected councillors participate to decide on local issues such as zoning, local budgets, and municipal services. These sessions follow defined procedural rules, are generally open to the public, and are often accessible through recordings or live streams.

Etymologically, täysistunto combines täysi (full) and istunto (sitting or session). The term is widely used across Finnish-language political and administrative institutions to denote the most inclusive, decision-making gatherings of the body in question, as distinct from committee or subcommittee meetings.