The Finnish Parliament has investigated hiring rules for MP assistants after cases involving four Finns Party representatives. Social and Health Minister Kaisa Juuso was among those examined. The review revealed a surprising fact. Parliament never actually banned hiring spouses or relatives as assistants.
For years, lawmakers believed a 2011 reform removed restrictions on family hiring. Officials now confirm no such ban existed before that date either. The only requirements state assistants must be over 18 years old with suitable qualifications.
Former Parliament Speaker Seppo Kääriäinen, who led the 2011 reform committee, told media he won't comment on specific cases. He did offer general advice. 'MPs and ministers should have enough judgment to avoid appointing relatives without needing rules,' Kääriäinen said.
Why did everyone think hiring relatives was forbidden? The misunderstanding likely began in the late 1990s. Several MPs immediately tested boundaries by hiring their children as assistants. One conservative MP hired his 16-year-old son. Another appointed her retired father.
Public outcry followed these appointments. Media reports at the time indicated Parliament's administration committee set guidelines. They suggested assistants shouldn't be family members or household residents. These guidelines became standard practice though they weren't official rules.
Former Defence Minister Jussi Niinistö served as Finns Party secretary during 2011-2017. He confirmed the party had clear internal policies against family hiring. 'During my time, we had strict guidance not to appoint relatives as personal assistants,' Niinistö stated. He expressed confusion about why four party MPs now chose this path.
The current system allows parliamentary groups to receive funding based on MP numbers. Each group then hires assistants as they see fit. This arrangement began as a trial during the 2011-2015 term.
Political analysts note the situation reveals gaps between perceived norms and actual regulations. The absence of formal restrictions has enabled practices many consider ethically questionable. All four Finns Party MPs used taxpayer money to employ family members despite longstanding conventions against this practice.