Municipalities and local government

Central and local government are the basis of Finnish democracy, and, from the point of view of citizens making use of their democratic rights, the two are of equal importance. At the beginning of 2011, there are 336 municipalities, 16 of which are in the Åland Islands.

Finland’s municipalities are self-governing entities, which, under Finnish law, have the right to decide on their own matters. In fact, the municipalities and local government are the most extensive and important system of self-government in Finland.

The history of local self-government in Finland goes back for more than one thousand years and it is strengthened and protected by the country’s constitution. The State does not have any unlimited rights to interfere in the activities of self-governing entities, for example, by introducing special legislation.

Local government tasks and administration

Municipalities are responsible for providing their residents with statutory basic services. The most important of these are social welfare and health, education and culture, the environment, and technical infrastructure. Basic municipal services provide residents with fundamental security, a sound basis for everyday living, and a social safety net.

Local self-government is on the basis of political decision-making and municipalities must adhere to democratic principles.

The municipal council is the supreme decision-making body in a municipality. Its members are elected for a four-year term in local elections which are based on universal suffrage. The council elects members to the municipal board which is responsible for preparing matters for the council and putting its decisions into effect.

The municipal council also elects members to the municipal committees, which are in charge of providing local public services. The number and responsibilities of the committees vary between municipalities. The most common are the education committee, social welfare and health committee and planning committee.

The Act on Restructuring Local Government and Services came into effect in March 2007. The restructuring process, which is due to be completed by 2012, should put municipal services on a sufficiently solid structural and financial basis so that extensive welfare services can be secured in all parts of Finland. The process will have an impact on organizing local-government services, their funding and the division of labour between central and local government.