lausuntakierros

Lausuntokierros, a Finnish term, translates to "consultation round" or "public consultation period." It refers to a formal process in Finnish legislation and administrative procedures where draft laws, regulations, or policy documents are made available to the public and relevant stakeholders for feedback. The primary purpose of a lausuntokierros is to gather opinions, comments, and expertise from a broad range of individuals and organizations before a final decision is made.

During a lausuntokierros, the draft document is typically published online, often on the website of the ministry or agency responsible for its development. Interested parties, including citizens, NGOs, businesses, research institutions, and other government bodies, are invited to submit their written statements or feedback within a specified timeframe. This feedback is then considered by the drafters, who may revise the document based on the input received.

The lausuntokierros is a crucial element of democratic decision-making and good governance in Finland. It promotes transparency by making the legislative process open to scrutiny and ensures that a wide array of perspectives is taken into account. This process can help identify potential problems, unintended consequences, or alternative solutions that might not have been apparent during the initial drafting stages. The duration of a lausuntokierros can vary depending on the complexity and importance of the matter, but it is usually at least a few weeks.