kannatusilmoitus

Kannatusilmoitus, or a declaration of support, is a written document in which a person or organization explicitly expresses support for a proposal, initiative, candidate or policy. It is a tool used in Finnish public life to show backing for a matter under consideration by a decision-making body, such as a municipal council, a parliamentary committee, a ministry, or a court in some proceedings, as well as in public consultations or media campaigns. The document typically includes the name and signature of each supporter, their affiliation or role, the date, and a short statement outlining the reasons for support. Depending on the context, additional information such as contact details, the signatory’s location, and the scope of their endorsement may be included.

Kannatusilmoitus can be submitted as part of a petition, public hearing, or objection process, or may be published to demonstrate public opinion. It is generally distinct from a formal petition or complaint in that it expresses support rather than seeking a decision. The influence of a kannatusilmoitus depends on the context and the weight given to public statements; it is usually non-binding, though it may have political or reputational significance. Data protection rules apply to listed signatories, and obtaining consent for publication is typically required.

In practice, kannatusilmoitus helps organize and communicate backing for a cause, enabling authorities to gauge support levels and for the media to report on public opinion. It is commonly used by interest groups, associations, companies, and individuals involved in civic processes.