Finland’s new gov breezes through no-confidence vote over its agenda
The newly-assembled government of Prime Minister Antti Rinne won a vote of no-confidence over its proposed agenda by 113 votes to 75 in parliament on Thursday. The programme includes proposals on reversing the controversial activation model set into motion by the previous administration to get unemployed people into jobs, a national strategy for children, and a number of reforms aimed at helping young people.
The vote of no-confidence had been tabled by the three main opposition parties – the National Coalition Party, the Finns Party and the Christian Democrats – after the government rolled out its proposals to parliament over the course of two days earlier this week.
Criticisms
Opposition parties were fiercely critical of the government’s four-year plan throughout the parliamentary debate.
The Finns Party, now the largest opposition party in Finland, criticised the administration for measures which they argued would increase the cost of housing and transportation. The populist party also questioned plans to create more ministerial aide positions.
The National Coalition Party cast doubt over the financial sustainability of the government’s agenda, and also urged the incoming coalition to propose measures aimed at improving employment.
Motion easily defeated
Rinne’s government however have a comfortable majority in parliament, and the motion of no-confidence was easily defeated.
The government has 117 MPs in the 200-seat parliament – with representatives from the Social Democrat Party, the Centre Party, the Greens, the Left Alliance and the Swedish People’s Party. Additionally, Harry Harkimo, a member of the Movement Now (Liike Nyt) group, had also indicated in advance his intention to support the new government’s proposed agenda.
Speaker on sick leave
Meanwhile former prime minister Matti Vanhanen of the Centre Party, who was elected to the role of parliamentary speaker last week, will take sick leave from Friday 14 June.
Last week, Vanhanen indicated in an interview with Yle his intention to take leave due to an upcoming heart operation.
Deputy speakers Tuula Haatainen of the Social Democratic Party and Juho Eerola of the Finns Party will share the speaker’s duties during Vanhanen’s absence.
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: Canada’s long-term neglect of Arctic must stop says Senate report, Eye on the Arctic
Finland: Antti Rinne sworn in as Finland’s PM, Yle News
Russia: Nordic leaders stand united as they sit with Putin in Russia, The Independent Barents Observer
Sweden: Swedish PM Stefan Löfven unveils new cabinet, Radio Sweden
United States: Alaska governor calls second special session to fund permanent fund dividends, Alaska Public Media
