Vastustuslauseke

Vastustuslauseke is a formal statement of opposition to a proposal, decision, or measure within Finnish legislative, municipal, or organizational deliberative bodies. It is used by a member or group to register dissent and to present reasons for opposing the item under consideration. The term combines vastustus (opposition, resistance) with lauseke (a brief statement or clause).

Usage and context include parliamentary committees, city or municipal councils, and corporate boards in Finland. A vastustuslauseke can be delivered orally during a debate or submitted in writing within a specified deadline, and it is typically recorded in the minutes or in the official dossier related to the decision. The content often outlines the grounds for dissent, such as concerns about effectiveness, legality, cost, or policy implications.

Function and impact are primarily reflective and documentary. A vastustuslauseke does not automatically veto a proposal, but it ensures that minority views are formally recorded and accessible to other members and stakeholders. In some cases, it may influence negotiations, amendments, or future decisions by highlighting alternative perspectives.

Examples of its use include a member of the Eduskunta (Finnish Parliament) attaching a vastustuslauseke to a bill, or a councilor in a municipal meeting including a written dissent alongside their vote. The practice contributes to transparency by preserving a dissenting position within official records.

See also: dissenting opinion, minority report, opposition statement.