puheenvuoro

Puheenvuoro is a formal right to speak in the debate of Finnish deliberative bodies. It denotes a speaking turn granted to a member or participant to present arguments, comments, or questions on a matter under discussion. Puheenvuoro is a procedural element in bodies such as the Eduskunta (Finnish Parliament) and municipal councils (kunnat).

Requesting and granting a puheenvuoro typically requires the member to rise, raise a hand, or use a designated signal. The presiding officer recognizes the speaker and grants the floor for a defined time. The rules usually allow only one speaker at a time and limit interruptions to points of order or clarifying questions. The chair may also determine the order of speakers and whether a speaker may yield time to others.

During a puheenvuoro, the speaker should address the chair, maintain decorum, and stay on topic. Personal attacks are discouraged, and the content should concern the matter under discussion. After the allocated time ends, the debate continues with subsequent puheenvuorot or another procedural step such as voting.

Time limits and exact procedures vary by body and meeting. Typical durations range from a few minutes to several minutes, depending on rules and the importance of the item. Some assemblies reserve longer speaking time for certain roles or for key items.

Origin and usage: the term combines puhe (speech) and vuoro (turn). It is a standard concept in Finnish parliamentary and local government procedures, reflecting the orderly cadence of formal debate.