välitettäväksi

Välitettäväksi is a Finnish language concept, which originates from the ideology of 19th and early 20th century liberalism and social democracy in Finland. The term roughly translates to "intermediary" or "medium," but in the context of Finnish politics and society it signifies a public figure or administrator who is placed between the central state authority or a ruling party and the general public to ease communication, represent the interests of the people, and carry out administrative tasks.

The idea of välitettäväksi involved the selection of public servants who were considered capable, neutral, and open-minded, with strong communication skills. Their primary goal was to improve the quality of government services and better interact with ordinary citizens. The concept aimed to create a more streamlined and inclusive administrative system, which would ultimately strengthen the social contract between the state and its people.

Historically, in Finland, the concept of välitettäväksi flourished particularly between the 1920s and the 1940s. During this time, many local government and administration positions were filled with individuals who embodied these qualities. The goal was not only to provide effective services, but also to cultivate understanding and trust between the authorities and the general public. Although the concept of välitettäväksi has largely receded from current vocabulary, its legacy endures in Finnish local governments as a concept representing competence and an impartial administrative style.