kansanvaltaa

Kansanvaltaa is a Finnish term meaning "the people’s power" or "popular sovereignty." It denotes the political principle that ultimate authority rests with the citizens and is exercised through democratic processes, elections, and mechanisms for citizen participation. The phrase is commonly used in Finnish political discourse to describe either a general commitment to democracy or the aim of increasing citizen influence in decision-making processes. Etymology: kansa = people, valta = power.

In political usage, kansanvaltaa can refer to both representative democracy—where elected representatives act on behalf of the people—and forms of direct or participatory democracy where citizens have opportunities to influence policy outside electoral cycles, such as citizen initiatives, public deliberation, and referendums. The concept has roots in social democratic, socialist, and other left-leaning traditions but is not confined to a single movement; it is used across the political spectrum to argue for accountability and limitation of concentrated power.

In practice, discussions of kansanvaltaa might address constitutional design, transparency, and public control over institutions, as well as reform proposals to broaden participation at local and national levels. In Finland, the term has appeared in party platforms, academic writing, and public debate as a shorthand for strengthening the legitimacy and responsiveness of government by ensuring that the people have a tangible say in political processes.