kunnanvaltuustosta

A kunnanvaltuusto, or municipal council, is the primary decision-making body in Finnish municipalities. It is directly elected by the residents of the municipality and is responsible for steering the municipality's affairs. The size of the council varies depending on the municipality's population, with a minimum of 17 members and a maximum of 85.

The council's main duties include approving the municipal budget, setting local taxes, making decisions on major investments and services, and appointing members to various committees and working groups. They also oversee the municipality's administration and ensure that its operations are in line with national legislation and the municipality's own strategic goals.

Elections for the kunnanvaltuusto are held every four years. All Finnish citizens and citizens of other EU member states, as well as Iceland and Norway, who have reached the age of 18 and are registered as residents in the municipality, are eligible to vote. The electoral system used is proportional representation, which aims to reflect the political composition of the electorate in the council.

The council typically meets several times a year to discuss and vote on matters presented by the municipal board or administration. Decisions are made through voting, and the majority of votes determines the outcome. The proceedings of the council meetings are generally public, promoting transparency in local governance. The council's work is fundamental to the functioning of local democracy in Finland.