vähimmäisvaltuuksien

Vähimmäisvaltuuksien, meaning minimum powers, refers to a legal concept in Finnish law concerning the essential authority that must be granted to a representative, such as a managing director or a board member, to effectively manage an entity. These are the fundamental rights and responsibilities that are considered necessary for the proper functioning of the position and the organization. Even if a company's articles of association or an individual's employment contract attempts to limit an individual's powers, certain core authorities cannot be entirely removed.

For example, in the context of a limited liability company (osakeyhtiö), the managing director (toimitusjohtaja) inherently possesses the power to manage the company's day-to-day operations and represent it externally. Limitations on these vähimmäisvaltuuksien are generally not legally binding on third parties who are unaware of such restrictions. This principle aims to protect the trust and reliability of commercial transactions.

Similarly, board members (hallituksen jäsenet) have a duty and the power to oversee the company's management and ensure its strategic direction. While specific tasks can be delegated, the fundamental responsibility for governance remains. The concept of vähimmäisvaltuuksien ensures that individuals entrusted with significant roles possess the indispensable authority to fulfill their duties, thereby safeguarding the interests of the company and those who deal with it.