politiikkoja

Politiikkoja is the Finnish term for politicians, individuals who participate in public decision-making, represent citizens, and influence policy. The term is used in Finnish media and discourse and encompasses people at local, regional, and national levels, including officeholders, party activists, and candidates who run in elections. Politicians may belong to political parties or operate as independents.

In Finland, politiikkoja may be elected to municipal councils, regional councils, or the national parliament (Eduskunta). Municipalities have decision-making bodies elected for four-year terms, and larger cities may elect officials such as mayors. Nationally, MPs sit in Eduskunta, and the government is formed from elected MPs who can become ministers. The Finnish political system is multi-party, with several parties represented in parliament; coalitions are common to form a government. Most politicians are affiliated with a party, and campaigns are financed under public and party-financed rules.

Elections use proportional representation with open party lists, and seats are allocated by the D'Hondt method. Terms for both municipal councils and parliament are four years, with reelection possible. Politikkoja pursue a wide range of careers before and alongside politics, including professional, academic, and civil society backgrounds.

Accountability and ethics are maintained through elections, parliamentary committees, media scrutiny, and formal rules on conflicts of interest and party financing. While most politiikkoja engage in public service with the aim of representing constituents, critics point to issues such as party influence, lobbying, or political polarization, which are addressed by transparency measures and robust governance practices.