hallitusEsitys

hallitusEsitys refers to a formal legislative proposal submitted by the Finnish Government to the Eduskunta (parliament) for consideration and enactment. In official terms, such proposals are often called valtioneuvoston esitys and function as the government's primary instrument for introducing new laws or amending existing ones. The hallitusEsitys encapsulates the government's policy aims and outlines the legal changes required to implement them.

The government prepares hallitusEsitys within ministries, with input from the Prime Minister’s Office and relevant stakeholders. The proposal typically includes a justification, the text of the proposed law, accompanying statements on fiscal impact, and impact assessments such as administrative, social, and equality considerations. The process reflects the constitutional principle that the Government holds the initiative in legislative matters.

Once prepared, the hallitusEsitys is submitted to the Eduskunta, usually accompanied by a memorandum explaining the policy background. In parliament, the proposal follows the legislative procedure: it may be assigned to a relevant committee for study, subjected to readings, debated, and amended. If approved by Eduskunta, the law is enacted and enters into force on a specified date, often after the President’s formal assent. The hallitusEsitys thus embodies the Government’s policy program and its legislative program for the term.

A hallitusEsitys differs from a private member’s bill (esitys by MPs) in that it originates from the Government rather than individual members of parliament. It is the main mechanism through which the Government implements its policy agenda through law.