aluehallitukset

Aluehallitukset, or regional governments, were administrative bodies in Finland responsible for regional governance and the provision of public services. They were established in 2010 as part of a larger administrative reform aimed at decentralizing certain state functions and strengthening regional development. The primary responsibilities of aluehallitukset included public health care, social welfare services, regional planning, and the implementation of regional development policies. They operated under the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, overseeing the implementation of national legislation at the regional level.

Each aluehallitus was composed of elected representatives from the municipalities within its designated region. These representatives were responsible for setting regional policies and overseeing the operational aspects of the public services managed by the aluehallitus. The aluehallitukset played a crucial role in coordinating services and ensuring equitable access to them across different municipalities. They also had a mandate to promote economic growth and employment within their respective regions, working in collaboration with local businesses and other stakeholders.

In 2023, Finland underwent a significant reform of its social and health care services, leading to the dissolution of the aluehallitukset. Their responsibilities, particularly in healthcare and social welfare, were transferred to the newly established wellbeing services counties (hyvinvointialueet). This shift aimed to further streamline service provision and create more unified systems for these essential public services. While the aluehallitukset no longer exist in their original form, their legacy influenced the structure and functioning of the current regional governance models in Finland.