Latest politics news and updates from Finland in English.
Finland's Centre Party nominates Jani Ylälehto as chair of the wellbeing services county board. The regional council will vote on the appointment this week, with the Centre Party's majority position making their candidate the likely choice. This follows typical post-election position distribution among Finnish political parties.
Jyväskylä City Council debates controversial budget cuts including complete elimination of high school funding. The city faces 10 million euro deficit while deciding whether to sell its applied sciences university stake.
Central Finland's regional board seeks to remove its chairperson Maria Kaisa Aula over integrity concerns. The emergency decision will go to the full regional council for approval. This sudden leadership challenge suggests significant governance issues.
Finland's government and six municipalities have reached agreement on the West Rail Line partnership after lengthy negotiations. The hour-train project connecting Turku to Helsinki still requires municipal council approvals and faces significant financial risks. Construction could begin by late 2027 if all approvals are secured.
Helsinki faces political conflict over a 300 million euro port tunnel project. City officials refuse detailed cost analysis while politicians from four parties demand greater transparency. The tunnel would redirect heavy traffic underground from West Harbor to ease congestion.
Central Finland's welfare region faces leadership instability as board chair Maria Kaisa Aula seeks resignation following the recent departure of the region's director. The turmoil comes amid a severe financial crisis with deficits totaling 336 million euros. These consecutive high-level departures suggest systemic challenges within the regional administration.
Maria Kaisa Aula steps down as chair of Central Finland's welfare board for personal reasons. The Center Party confirms she'll remain active in their regional council group. This marks continued turbulence in Finland's newly formed welfare regions.
Finland's government proposes giving tax authorities power to secretly access citizens' bank data. Privacy officials warn this could enable mass surveillance without proper oversight. The controversial law requires parliamentary approval to take effect next year.
Central Finland Welfare Board Chair Maria Kaisa Aula has resigned citing personal reasons, marking the second senior leadership departure this week. The resignations create uncertainty in the region's healthcare and social services administration. These changes come amid apparent confidence issues within the welfare board leadership.
Finland's Parliament Director has discussed the Finns Party's practice of hiring family members as parliamentary assistants. While not illegal, these appointments raise questions about nepotism and proper use of public funds. The party continues defending its hiring choices despite criticism.
Finnish Minister Kaisa Juuso apologizes for controversy after hiring her son as parliamentary assistant. The Finns Party will ban such family appointments after next elections, highlighting ongoing ethics discussions in Nordic politics.
Salo City Council faces a crucial December 15 vote on the Western Rail Line project amid concerns about government commitment to later phases. Political divisions emerge as some parties support while others oppose the infrastructure plan. The decision could shape regional transportation development for decades.
Finnish Minister Kaisa Juuso apologizes for controversy after hiring her son as parliamentary assistant. The Finns Party will ban such family hires after next election, making it the first major group with this restriction.
A Finnish MP has hired his son as a parliamentary assistant, following similar appointments by other politicians. The Finns Party plans to ban the practice starting next election term. Several parliament members currently employ family members as aides.
Finland's government and municipalities have reached a shareholder agreement ensuring the complete implementation of the West Rail Link project. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo confirmed the entire railway connection will proceed despite significant financial risks. The massive infrastructure project will be constructed in two phases across multiple government terms.
Finnish Parliament investigation reveals no official ban on hiring family members as assistants, contradicting longstanding beliefs. Four Finns Party MPs employed relatives despite conventional wisdom against the practice. The findings expose gaps between perceived ethical standards and actual parliamentary regulations.
Finland's transport minister wants stricter drunk driving limits for new drivers, proposing a 0.2 promille threshold. While citing Nordic neighbors as examples, she acknowledges political challenges in implementing broader changes. The proposal comes amid ongoing driver's license reforms focusing on youth traffic safety.
Finnish Truth Party leader Jaana Kavonius faces aggravated defamation charges for allegedly targeting officials and private citizens. The case involves international travel and dramatic courtroom declarations. Court proceedings continue in Espoo.
Finnish Minister Kaisa Juuso has returned from summer break with a more assertive approach to her work. Government sources describe her as showing fresh determination in welfare policy discussions. The change comes after earlier pressure over hospital network reforms.
Finland's Center Party regional council held trust discussions in Central Finland. The group chairman confirmed decisions will be announced Sunday after further talks. The meeting addressed governance matters within the local welfare district administration.
Finland's major West Rail project connecting Helsinki to Turku approaches final approval as shareholders and government prepare for crucial Friday meeting. While technical details remain, sources indicate political negotiations on unrelated matters have slowed the process. The 1.3 billion euro project would significantly improve rail connections in southern Finland.
Truth Party leader Jaana Kavonius faces stalking and defamation charges in Finnish court after dismissing her legal assistant hours before trial. Prosecutors seek a five-year prison sentence in a case involving allegations against officials and private citizens. The trial begins amid controversy over the party's platform and Kavonius's previous public statements.
Finland's transport minister signals potential breakthrough in taxi reform negotiations, suggesting mandatory meters might be dropped if alternative enforcement measures are implemented. The government seeks to address gray market operations while modernizing the taxi industry. A unified proposal is expected this fall.
Finland's government provides 2.6 million euros in emergency funding to North Karelia's welfare district after determining it cannot meet legal service obligations. The intervention highlights strains in regional welfare services despite overall budget increases. Officials say they will use all available tools to guarantee basic services nationwide.