Valitustuomio

Valitustuomio is a legal concept in Finland that refers to an extraordinary parliamentary majority vote necessary to amend the Constitution. The Finnish Constitution protects certain fundamental principles, such as the rights of citizens and the separation of powers, from being changed without a unanimous parliamentary vote or a two-thirds majority in a national referendum.

To amend these protected principles, a two-thirds majority in both the Parliament and the regions is required, making it a rare and significant occurrence. This provision ensures that the fundamental principles of the Constitution remain unchanged, even if there is a temporary shift in the political majority in Parliament.

The purpose of the Valitustuomio is to safeguard the principles of democracy and the rule of law. It acts as a safeguard against hasty or poorly considered decisions that might undermine the stability and long-term functioning of the Finnish state. It is considered an essential feature of the Finnish parliamentary system and is seen as a way to bridge the gap between short-term political pressures and the long-term interests of the nation.

The concept of Valitustuomio may be invoked in various situations, depending on the proposal to amend the Constitution. It is primarily intended to prevent amendments that would significantly alter the existing balance of power or undermine critical constitutional principles. Overall, the Valitustuomio reflects Finland's commitment to long-term stability, constitutionalism, and democratic governance.