Finland is a constitutional republic where the power belongs to the people. Finland’s highest state bodies are Parliament, the Government and the President of the Republic. Finland is a parliamentary republic, which means that the Government must have the support of Parliament.
Parliament is the highest decision-making body. Finnish citizens elect 200 Members of Parliament among themselves in elections every four years. The elections are direct, proportional and held by secret ballot. The most important tasks of Parliament are
Parliament passes the laws and supervises the work of the Government, which is the highest executive body. Members of Parliament use their supervisory powers by presenting motions of censure and written and oral questions to the Government.
The Government consists of the Prime Minister and the required number of other ministers. The ministers are in charge of their ministries and the administrative branches of the ministries.
The Government is the highest executive body and it conducts Finland’s foreign policy in cooperation with the President. It also drafts the state budget and the legislative proposals, which must both be approved by Parliament.
The President of the Republic is elected for a term of six years in a direct election. If necessary, there are two rounds of voting. The same person may only be elected President for a maximum of two consecutive terms.
The President has certain duties assigned to them by law. These include