lausuntokierteen

Lausuntokierre refers to a period of public consultation in the Finnish legislative process. It is a mandatory step before a bill or proposal can be advanced to the parliament for a vote. During this period, relevant stakeholders and the general public are invited to provide their feedback and opinions on the proposed legislation. This feedback is crucial for identifying potential issues, gathering diverse perspectives, and improving the quality and feasibility of the proposed law.

The lausuntokierros is typically conducted by the ministry responsible for drafting the legislation. They send out the draft proposal to a predetermined list of organizations, authorities, and associations that have a vested interest in the matter. Individuals can also often participate by submitting their comments through online portals or directly to the ministry. The duration of the consultation period can vary, but it is usually several weeks long.

Once the lausuntokierros is complete, the ministry reviews all the submitted feedback. This feedback is analyzed to understand the range of opinions and to identify areas where the proposal might need clarification, amendment, or even significant revision. The ministry then prepares a revised version of the proposal, often accompanied by a summary of the feedback received and how it was addressed. This refined proposal then proceeds to the next stage of the legislative process, which involves parliamentary debate and voting. The lausuntokierros is thus a fundamental mechanism for ensuring transparency, inclusivity, and democratic participation in Finnish law-making.