pääministeriä

pääministeriä (plural: pääministeri) is the Finnish term for the head of government in Finland, also known as the prime minister. The position is the leader of the Cabinet and is responsible for setting the policy agenda, coordinating the work of government ministries, and representing Finland in international affairs. The prime minister does not have direct executive authority over individual ministries but must generate parliamentary support for the government's legislative program.

Appointment and tenure are determined by the Finnish Parliament (Eduskunta). After a general election, the President of Finland invites the leader of the majority party or coalition to form a government. The proposed Cabinet must receive a vote of confidence from Parliament. If Parliament withdraws its confidence, the government resigns and a new prime minister may be appointed. The normal legislative term is four years, but elections can be called earlier.

The role evolved from the earlier position of Chancellor of Justice and has been officially titled "Pääministeri" since 1917, the year Finland declared independence. Since then, 30 individuals have served as prime minister. Notable figures include Juho Kusti Paasikivi, who served four terms between 1937 and 1950, and recent leaders such as Sanna Marin, the youngest person ever to hold the office, and Alexander Stubb, who helmed the government during the COVID‑19 pandemic.

In Finland, the prime minister is the country's highest-ranking political figure in domestic affairs, although the President retains certain foreign and military prerogatives. The Cabinet, led by the prime minister, operates on a system of collective responsibility, meaning all ministers share the same mandate of public accountability.