PARLIAMENT OF FINLAND 2009 CONTENTS

3 Speaker’s Review 4 Parliament’s year coloured by recession 4 5 New MP surprised by work load 6 Numerous enquiries concerning Lex Nokia

Administrative reform makes veteran reporter 10 chuckle 9 11 Parliament’s international relations 13 Pioneering environmental work 14 New accessible entrance to Parliament 14 15 ”I might come back for a plenary session” 16 Personnel, finances and administration

16 Front cover: In 2009 the renewal of the northern wing facing the National Museum left its imprint on Parliament’s facade. Speaker’s Review

The events of 1809, when Finland improved. Financial planning and became autonomous, were com- monitoring reforms have increased memorated by Parliament in various economic efficiency, which is ways last year. Important moments visible in lower costs. The renewal in Finland’s national and political of the Parliament buildings took development that created the basis nearly 15 per cent of the annual for Finnish independence were pre- budget or about 11 million euros. sented around the theme of Building Including the Parliamentary Office’s the Nation. operational and renewal expenses, Parliament’s work was coloured Parliament cost 16.22 euros per by the global recession and the citizen in 2009. Parliament also required counter-measures. Parlia- focused attention on reducing its ment approved a number of acts that environmental load by cutting will mitigate the effects of the reces- paper and energy consumption in a sion and promote employment and rational way. investments. Hopefully something Parliament’s international activ- has been learned from the serious ities are highlighted by visits of repercussions of the previous slump Speakers and Heads of State. The and the harshest impacts can be bulk of international cooperation avoided better than in the 1990s. nevertheless took place in near- In the European election that ly six hundred meetings that were took place in June, three MPs won arranged in Finland and abroad dur- seats in the European Parliament. ing the year. The pollution of the a way that is commensurate with The new MPs who took their places Baltic Sea and global warming do its value. To minimize the costs of started work at the beginning of the not stop at national borders; conse- renting facilities, renewal work will autumn term. After a process last- quently resolving problems requires be done in stages and Parliament’s ing several years, the Lisbon Treaty political cooperation. organization will largely operate on entered into force in December. In Parliament remained a popular the premises during the project. The the near future the biggest challenge place to visit last year. Over 36,000 biggest visible change in connec- in EU matters is the creation of the people took guided tours of Par- tion with the renewal of the north- new Europe 2020 programme con- liament, and open house was also ern wing, which is now under way, cerning the future of the Union’s arranged in the Parliament Build- is the construction of a new accessi- economy to replace the Lisbon ing and the Little Parliament annex. ble entrance to Parliament. This will Strategy. The Visitor’s Centre in the annex be opened in late summer 2010. In During the current electoral term broke the 100,000 visitor mark last spite of the restrictions imposed by Parliament’s administration has spring. It is gratifying that so many the renewal project, work in Parlia- been reformed and modernized. people have found their way to the ment is continuing at a brisk pace, This project continued in 2009. Visitor’s Centre! with MPs already looking ahead to The development of the operational The old and beautiful Parlia- the general election in spring 2011. and financial planning system ment Building is presently under- proceeded, and personnel planning going extensive renewal. We must and reporting systems were further take care of national property in Sauli Niinistö

PARLIAMENT OF FINLAND 2009 3 Parliament’s year coloured by recession

Parliament convened for its first totalled 924. Over half of these con- year. This is close to the long-term plenary session in 2009 on Tues- cerned the budget for the next year average. day, 3 February. As the oldest MP, and were conducted in the last week Seppo Tiitinen, who has served Jacob Söderman (Social Democratic as Secretary General since 1992, Party) held the chair until the elec- notes that the global recession has tion of the Speakers. Sauli Niin- ”Many proposals been directly visible in Parliament’s istö (National Coalition Party) regarding the agenda. was re­elected as Speaker, Seppo ”And it should be. In Finland the Kääriäinen (Centre Party) as First national response previous recession provided some Deputy Speaker and Johannes to the financial background on how to proceed Koskinen (Social Democratic Party) and what to avoid. Many propos- as Second Deputy Speaker. crisis were als regarding the national response The official opening ceremonies discussed in the to the financial crisis were discussed took place the following day. Parlia- Session Hall.” in the Hall. On the other hand ment held 72 plenary sessions dur- there wasn’t much else in the way of ing the spring term from 3 February future-oriented reform programmes to 18 June and 58 plenary sessions before the Christmas break. from the Government, since the during the autumn term from 8 Sep- Parliament finished handling 260 focus was on dealing with the reces- tember to 18 December 2009. Votes government proposals during the sion,” Tiitinen says.

The traditional worship service in connection with the opening of Parliament was arranged at the Hel- sinki Cathedral on 4 February 2009. In the foreground (left to right) are Second Deputy Speaker Johannes Koskinen, Speaker Sauli Niinistö and First Deputy Speaker Seppo Kääriäinen.

4 PARLIAMENT OF FINLAND 2009 University reform closes the circle

Despite this trend, Parliament still carried out a number of noteworthy reforms. Tiitinen mentions the Uni- versities Act as an example. ”In the 1970s private universities were acquired by the state and now it’s the opposite. The circle is clos- ing. Things go around and there’s very little new under the sun,” Tiitinen remarks.

”The reform improves the preconditions for students, teachers The beginning of Finland’s period of autonomy in 1809 was and research.” ­commemorated in special events in Finland and Sweden. Speaker Sauli Niinistö and Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden attended the opening The Universities Act was ­handled ­ceremonies at the Swedish Riksdag in Stockholm on 15 January 2009. by the Committee for Education and Culture, which is chaired by ”Universities are no longer state relationships with contractual rela- Raija Vahasalo (National Coalition accounting agencies. The state pro- tionships for university personnel, Party). The committee heard over vides basic financing, but univer- who opposed the move. Vahasalo eighty experts and exceptionally sities can also collect money from sees no reason for concern. requested two statements from the outside. The reform improves the ”Nowadays civil-service and Constitutional Law Committee in preconditions for students, teachers contractual relationships are quite order to formulate the Act as well as and research,” Vahasalo sums up. similar in terms of benefits,” Vahasa- possible. The reform replaced civil-service lo says.

New MP surprised by work load Pirkko Ruohonen-Lerner (True ”Politics is long-term work. The the table at the same time and Finns) is a first-term MP who best place to influence matters they are handled too quickly, comes from Porvoo. is in committees and working legislation may contain gaps that Workdays in Parliament are groups. In the election and people can take advantage of, very busy, since MPs have to get party financing commission, for contrary to the legislator’s inten- briefed on complicated sub- ­example, I was able to take part tion. In my opinion the experts jects in a short time. Different in preparing legislation to reform that are heard in committees meetings and occasions take up election and party financing.” should stick to the timetable. It’s several hours a day. Ruohonen- In legislative work Ruohonen- frustrating if a committee has Lerner is a member of the Legal Lerner would like to see govern- a large number of experts and Affairs Committee, deputy mem- ment proposals submitted to there are only a couple of MPs ber of the Office Commission Parliament more evenly through- left, since most have had to rush and vice chair of her parliamen- out the year. to the next committee meeting tary group. ”If there are lots of things on or other occasions,” she reflects.

PARLIAMENT OF FINLAND 2009 5 Two windows for regional state administration

One of the biggest legislative pack- ages ever handled by Parliament concerned the reform of regional state administration. Two govern- ment proposals comprising nearly 1,300 pages were submitted to the Administration Committee for this purpose. ”The point of departure was

”Since this involved a decades-long reform, there should have been

more time for One of Parliament’s tasks is to oversee the Government and its activities. discussion.” During question time MPs can ask ministers about matters that fall within their purview. MP Jutta Urpilainen (Social Democratic Party) has the floor. that the reform should clarify state The reform of regional state soon as possible” basis. administration from citizens’ view- administration crystallizes one ”Since this involved a decades- point. After the reform there are pe­rennial problem between long reform, there should have just two windows for doing busi- Parliament and the Government. been more time for discussion. Of ness: Regional State Administrative From Parliament’s perspective many course it also takes time for the Agencies and Centres for Econom- complicated legislative packages Government to prepare matters,” ic Development, Transport and the have to be handled in too big a admits Tölli, whose party is in the Environment,” explains committee hurry, since government proposals coalition Government. chair Tapani Tölli (Centre Party). are submitted on a ”get this done as

Numerous enquiries concerning Lex Nokia

In 2009 Parliament also gave its The furor over election financing voted against the bill. final approval to an amendment that began the year before ”I’m afraid that some local to the Act on Data Protection of continued last year. In the spring shops will be forced to close if Electronic Communications that Parliament approved legislation large supermarkets are open has been dubbed ”Lex Nokia”. that prevents candidates from for business on Sundays. The This caused by far the most circumventing limits on election extension of opening hours enquiries to MPs. financing and sets ceilings presents new challenges for ”Opponents of the for individual contributions in small and medium-sized family amendment networked on the different types of elections. firms. The new opening hours Internet. I believe this affected Towards the end of the year will also reduce the time that the number of messages,” says Parliament passed legislation families can spend together,” he MP Kari Kärkkäinen (Christian allowing a further extension of explains. Demo­cratic Party). shop opening hours. Kärkkäinen

6 PARLIAMENT OF FINLAND 2009 Moderate increase in the budget

The recession particularly coloured the work of the Finance Committee, which is responsible for handling the budget. ”Economic uncertainty has made us more cautious. The focus has been on economic sustainability and the long term, including investments in businesses’ competitiveness and the lengthening of careers,” notes committee chair Hannes Manninen (Centre Party). Seats on the Finance Committee are sought after and important, since the committee is the best place to influence the budget. Every MP has the right to submit budgetary motions, but without the approval Parliament’s decisions are prepared in committees, which generally meet of the Finance Committee they before a plenary session. The Transport and Communications Committee wind up among the roughly one held nearly a hundred meetings in 2009. thousand motions that are rejected each year. In practice the Finance ”Committee work additional funds that were approved Committee also decides on budget by Parliament came to 41 million changes. In 2010 more funds will has been more euros, which is less than in good go to young people’s workshops, disciplined than times. libraries, universities, financial in the past. Funds ”Committee work has been more crime investigators, environmental have been targeted disciplined than in the past. Funds organizations and public transport to job creation have been targeted to job creation as a result of Parliament’s decisions. and investments supporting The state budget for 2010 totals and investments employment,” Manninen points out. slightly over 50 billion euros. The supporting employment.”

Type of matter / Year 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Government proposals 232 280 181 236 289 Government reports 6 8 3 8 9 Government statements 1 2 Interpellations 5 7 1 3 3 Prime Minister’s announcements 3 4 4 1 2 Union matters 53 80 52 86 90 Legislative motions 161 186 145 137 127 Petitionary motions 118 167 64 78 91 Budgetary motions 1 269 1 580 1 069 1 088 1 109 Supplementary budgetary motions 69 126 40 115 84 Written questions 1 101 1 206 637 1 066 1 119

PARLIAMENT OF FINLAND 2009 7 Relocation attracts (Social Democratic Party). criticism The Audit Committee is Parlia­ ment’s newest committee. It went The Audit Committee supervises into operation in 2007. the financial management of the ”A key objective and measure state and compliance with the budget. In 2009 the committee examined tax revenue projections Total number of plenary sessions and the relocation of government ”The principle in and their total duration 2003–2009 jobs to the regions, among other relocation is right, things. The committee’s nearly 10,000- but the results

700 page report on relocation is the are in conflict most extensive study on this subject with productivity, 600 to date and did not make pleasant economy and good 500 reading for the Government. ”The principle in relocation is personnel policy.” 400 right, but the results are in conflict 300 with productivity, economy

200 and good personnel policy. The committee’s positions differed from of success is effectiveness. This has 100 those taken by the Government, been visible in the utilization of the

0 but the committee’s task is to report on tax revenue projections. 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 evaluate and honestly report The Ministry of Finance has paid what has happened. This is what attention to the report and a real Sessions parliamentary oversight is about,” dialogue between the ministry and Hours says committee chair Matti Ahde the committee has evolved.”

The committees held the following number of meetings and drafted the following number of reports and statements in the 2009 session:

2009 parliamentary session Meetings Reports Statements* Grand Committee 54 1 3 Constitutional Law Committee 94 12 40 Foreign Affairs Committee 101 12 11 Finance Committee 48 47 19 Audit Committee 64 5 6 Administration Committee 110 23 27 Legal Affairs Committee 90 18 28 Transport and Communications Committee 97 33 30 Agriculture and Forestry Committee 97 12 31 Defence Committee 60 4 9 Education and Culture Committee 98 12 20 Social Affairs and Health Committee 97 55 22 Commerce Committee 113 30 39 Committee for the Future 54 8 Employment and Equality Committee 89 12 25 Enviroment Committee 98 12 39 Total 1 364 288 357

* Almost half of the statements concerned EU matters.

8 PARLIAMENT OF FINLAND 2009 A busy year for the EU the Government represents in the way approved by Parliament. The effect of the European election Last spring the Government sub- In 2009: that took place in June was most directly visible in the departure of • Finland commemorated the three MPs for the European Par- “The instrument is beginning of its period of liament. The Lisbon Treaty, which good - you just have autonomy in 1809. after many stages entered into force to know how to • Parliament decided on the in December, will have little impact play it.” direction of Finland’s secu- on parliamentary work. rity and defence policy in National parliaments’ possibil- the coming years when it ity to take a position on whether mitted a report on EU policy to Par- approved a Government a Commission proposal infringes liament. This was discussed by Par- report in June. the principle of subsidiarity, which liament in all the committees and • Former President Martti means that decisions should be twice in plenary session. Ahtisaari, who won the Nobel made as close as possible to citizens, Erkki Tuomioja (Social Demo- Peace Prize, addressed MPs on is nothing new for Parliament. Up cratic Party), the chair of the Grand 15 April. to now if Parliament had opposed a Committee, points out that the • UN Secretary-General Ban proposal for this reason, this would committee spends much of its time Ki-moon visited Parliament on have become Finland’s position, in a dialogue with ministers accord- 26 May. according to which the Government ing to meetings of the Council of is bound to act. Finland has only the European Union. All EU mat- one position in EU affairs, which ters are considered by the Grand

Five new MPs

Several changes took place in the composition of Parliament during the year. After the death of Susanna Haapoja (Centre Par- ty) in May, her place was taken by Lasse Hautala (Centre Party). Three MPs were elected to the European Parliament in June: Timo Soini (True Finns Party), Heidi Hautala (Greens) and Liisa Jaakonsaari (Social Democratic Party). They were replaced by Pietari Jääskeläinen (True Finns Party), Timo Juurikkala (Greens) and Raimo Piirainen (Social Demo­cratic Party). The fifth new MP, Kalle Jokinen (National Coalition Party), started work on 9 September instead of Jari Kos­kinen, who was appointed to the board of the European Pietari Jääskeläinen (True Finns Party), Timo Juurikkala (Greens) and Raimo Bank for Reconstruction and Piirainen (Social Democratic Party) started work as MPs at the first session of Development. the autumn term on 8 September.

PARLIAMENT OF FINLAND 2009 9 Committee, but the special com- mittees are responsible for studying draft legislation in greater detail. Seats in the The Lisbon Treaty gives the Parlia­­ment: European Parliament more ­power and expands qualified majority Centre Party Parliamentary voting in the Council, which must Group 51 be taken into account if Finland wants to have a say in EU matters. National Coalition Party Parliamentary Group 51 In addition to the EU’s institutions, this requires interacting with the Social Democratic Parlia­- other member states and their mentary Group 45 parliaments. Tuomioja mentions the regula- Left Alliance Parliamentary tion on public access to documents Group 17 as a good example. Finland wanted to prevent reform from going in a Green Parliamentary Group direction that would weaken open- 14 ness and for this purpose it took an active role, including the arranging Political lines concerning matters Swedish Parliamentary of a seminar in Brussels by the Min- that are under consideration in Par- Group 10 istry of Justice and Parliament. liament are drawn in the parliamen- tary groups. Minna Sirnö (left) and Christian Democratic Parlia- Tuomioja would like to see more Merja Kyllönen confer with Martti mentary Group 7 solidarity among the Nordic coun- tries, so that if something is impor- Korhonen before a meeting of the Left Alliance Parliamentary Group True Finns Party Parliamentary tant for one on the Nordic coun- on 26 November. Group 5 tries, the others will support it. Tuomioja chaired a working Total 200 seats group on the handling of EU mat- system has much to offer and has ters in Parliament. The working been a model for many other mem- group did not propose changes in ber states. “The instrument is good the system but did call for proce- - you just have to know how to play dures to be improved. The Finnish it,” Tuomioja says. n

Administrative reform makes veteran reporter chuckle

When the new Parliament Anneli Jäätteenmäki in summer interesting parliamentary news convened, veteran reporter 2003. last year concerned internal Pekka Vuoristo was no longer ”Nothing surpasses that administrative reform. in the gallery. Vuoristo, who is dramatic day of changing ”For someone who enjoys a known for his laconic and prickly developments when Prime good show, the most exciting writing style, retired last autumn Minister Anneli Jäätteenmäki news came in December, and traded political journalism resigned. Some people claim when the struggle over the for ”being a grandfather”. that the southern media dictated administrative model finally Vuoristo covered Parliament the script, but we had a big ended. It’s interesting on how for Helsingin Sanomat (Finland’s enough job just keeping up. It many fronts the Speaker has biggest newspaper) for nine was a rare treat to see how a tried to do something about years. From that time he minister can lose the backing of Parliament’s old ways of doing particularly remembers the a parliamentary majority.” things, although he has had very resignation of Prime Minister In Vuoristo’s opinion the most few troops at his disposal.”

10 PARLIAMENT OF FINLAND 2009 Parliament’s international relations

In today’s world fewer and fewer as well as five interparliamentary Nordic cooperation problems can be resolved through organizations. is visible in everyday national decisions. Political coop- ”Its uniqueness and strength lie matters eration is needed across borders. in the fact that all the Baltic Sea Interparliamentary organizations states are involved, including Rus- Thanks to the Nordic Council, citi- offer MPs in different countries an sia,” says Christina Gestrin (Swedish zens of Finland, Sweden, Denmark, opportunity to promote important People’s Party), who is in her second Norway and Iceland have been things such as human rights or envi- year as chairman of the BSPC. able to travel in the Nordic region ronmental protection. Finnish MPs In addition to environmental without a passport since the 1950s. are active in ten interparliamentary issues, MPs monitor what the gov- Subsequently some of the Nordic organizations. ernments in the Baltic Sea states are countries have joined the European A good example of the need doing to prevent human trafficking Union, but the need for cooperation for cooperation is the Baltic Sea. and smuggling. has not declined. On the contrary. Eutrophication or oil spills do ”This is a common concern and ”When EU directives are imple- not stop at the limits of territorial problem for all of us. The BSPC mented, we should see what the waters. Protecting the environment has established two working groups, other Nordic countries are doing requires political will on the part of one to study human trafficking and to avoid additional border obsta- all the coastal states. the other the implementation of the cles. We haven’t done so well in One arena for discussions is the Programme for the Protection of this respect,” says Paavo Arhinmäki Baltic Sea Parliamentary Confer- the Baltic Sea. Their reports will be (Left Alliance), the chairman of the ence, which includes 11 nation- discussed at the 2010 conference in Finnish delegation to the Nordic al and 11 regional parliaments Mariehamn,” Gestrin adds. Council.

Those attending the special anni- versary session of the Council of Europe in Helsinki on 18 May 2009 included (left to right) Ms Päivi Hirvelä, Judge of the European Court of Human Rights; Mr Pekka Hallberg, President of the Supreme Administrative Court of Finland; MP Sinikka Hurskainen (Social Democrat), the chairperson of the Finnish Delegation to the Council of Europe; President of the Republic Tarja Halonen; Mr Lluìs Maria de Puig, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe; and EU Commissioner Olli Rehn.

PARLIAMENT OF FINLAND 2009 11 MPs Cheryl Gallant of Canada and Peter Bottomley of the UK took part in a visit to Finland that was arranged by the NATO Parliamen- tary Assembly on 21-24 September. NATO parliamentarians visited the Crisis Management Centre in Kuo- pio and the Karelian Air Command in Rissala, to which they flew on a military transport plane.

anniversaries by hosting a meeting of the Committee on Economic Affairs and Development, a semi- nar on the Baltic Sea and a special anniversary session that was opened by President of the Republic Tarja In 2009: All the same, Arhinmäki believes Halonen. that work in the Nordic Council is • The Speaker visited Poland, meaningful. Finnish MPs make new Germany, Russia and Turkey. ”Activity aimed at eliminating conquests border obstacles is the most con- • Finland received visits from the Parliamentary Speakers of crete work affecting citizens’ daily Last spring MP Hannes Manninen Georgia, the Czech Republic, lives that takes place in interparlia- (Centre Party) became the first Finn Canada, China, Kosovo and mentary organizations. It involves to be elected as chairman of the the National Assembly of social security, pensions, taxes, the Conference of Parliamentarians of Québec. right to use a car in another country the Arctic Region. • Finnish MPs participated and such simple things as allowing Another new conquest for Finn- actively in the Inter-Parlia- a security company to carry euros ish MPs came at the European Secu- mentary Union and the OSCE from Ikea in Haparanda to a bank rity and Defence Assembly when Parliamentary Assembly. in Tornio. Before they had to go all Tuija Nurmi (National Coalition the way to Stockholm,” Arhinmäki Party) was elected as the ESDA’s • Parliament and the World explains. first Finnish rapporteur. Bank Institute arranged a seminar for MPs from Latin On the basis of Nurmi’s report America in Helsinki on 27–29 Council of Europe the Assembly recommended to November 2009. The subject celebrated its 60th the EU and the Western European was budgetary power and anniversary Union that the members of both parliamentary oversight. organizations should give preference Last year marked the 60th anni- to European suppliers in procuring • Nearly 600 meetings were arranged in Finland and versary of the establishment of the armoured vehicles and thus support abroad within the framework Council of Europe and the 20th the European defence industry. of Parliament’s international anniversary of Finland’s accession to Other forms of Parliament’s activities. it. The Council of Europe is the old- international cooperation are Speak- est political cooperation and human ers’ conferences and exchanges of rights organization in Europe. visits. Over a hundred delegations of The Finnish delegation to the MPs or parliamentary officials from Parliamentary Assembly of the different parts of the world visit Fin- Council of Europe marked the two land each year. n

12 PARLIAMENT OF FINLAND 2009 Pioneering environmental work

The Parliament of Finland is the second national parliament in the EU to have an approved environmental programme, in addition to the Scottish Parliament. It received an ISO 14001 certified environmental handbook in 2008. The handbook describes Parliament’s environmental principles and operating procedures. ”The environmental handbook will be implemented according to the principle of constant improvement. This means the job is never finished but there is always room for improvement,” says MP Erkki Pulliainen (Greens). Pulliainen is a veteran of Deputy Head Custodian Tapani Korhonen sorts documents before a plenary Parliament’s environmental work, session. The distribution of documents has been cut back in order to reduce since he was previously in charge paper consumption. of a project that examined the state ­The environmental of environmental matters. He also are taken into consideration in working group’s chaired a working group that drafted renewing the Parliament buildings. eco-tips: an environmental programme for Parliament’s biggest waste category Parliament. is paper. The group has accordingly • Don’t print e-mails or ”The biggest difficulty has been urged measures to save paper. documents unnecessarily. to get people working in Parliament Parliament has in fact reduced involved in environmental work. paper consumption considerably. • If you print something, Changing attitudes and procedures Written questions, reports and use both sides of the that have become established over international treaties are examples paper. the years is challenging,” he notes. of documents that are no longer • Switch off the lights if The Yrtti group, which is headed distributed automatically to all MPs. you leave a room for 15 by Environmental Manager Jukka All documents are printed on paper minutes. Savola, will monitor compliance that complies with the requirements • Turn off your computer at with the principles in the in the EU environmental system the end of the day. environmental handbook. The and has a PEFC label, using both • Sort material for recycling. objective is to complete the first sides of the paper. Electricity monitoring report in 2010. consumption has also been reduced. • Use e-mail to share infor- The Yrtti group will also make In 2009 consumption fell by about mation, distribute publica- sure that environmental matters five per cent. n tions only to those who want them.

PARLIAMENT OF FINLAND 2009 13 New accessible entrance to Parliament

The first major stage in the renewal a new cooling system will be of the Parliament buildings began installed inside structures. New after Midsummer, when the sealed windows that are impact Stages of the northern office wing and the old resistant and considerably better renewal project: housing wing next to it became a at keeping out solar heat will work site. Around one hundred be installed. Improving energy • Planning began in 2006. MPs and personal assistants packed efficiency has been an important up everything in their offices before part of the project in other ways as • Pekka Helin & Co was the 2009 summer break and moved well. selected as the architect in to temporary rooms. The renewal project will be carried 2007. The biggest visible change in this out in stages, one building or section • The kitchen in the Par- stage of the project will be a new at a time. To cut costs, Parliament will liament Building was accessible entrance to Parliament. mainly operate in its own facilities repaired in 2007. The entrance will face Mannerhei­ during the renewal project. • The renewal of Northern mintie and will be opened in late The main building is scheduled Wing and the construction summer 2010 after refurbishing has for renewal in the middle of the of a new entrance will cost been completed. Conference rooms next electoral term. The goal is about 12 million euros and other facilities for visitor servi­ to complete the renewal of the without VAT. ces will be located near the entrance. Parliament buildings for the most Building technology will part by 2017, when Finland will be renewed in the office wing. celebrate the 100th anniversary Although offices will have the same of its indepen­dence. Building general look after refurbishing, conservation perspectives will be taken into account in all stages of the project. n

A new accessible entrance is being built in the old housing wing, along with facilities for visitor services.

14 PARLIAMENT OF FINLAND 2009 ”I might come back for a plenary session”

Tens of thousands of citizens come and foreigners,” she said at the end in direct touch with Parliament of the tour. each year through guided tours and Gomez Burgos has not fol- events that are open to the public. lowed politics actively, but the visit The Parliament Information Office sparked her interest. ”I might come also answers questions regarding back for a plenary session,” she parliamentary work that it receives added. by e-mail or phone. Nearly all the guided tours that In 2009 around 36,500 people are arranged for immigrants are in took guided tours of Parliament. plain language. Visitors learn about This included more immigrants parliamentary work, elections and than ever before. The number of citizen participation during tours. immigrant groups has been increas- Services in plain language are being ing for several years, and in 2009 steadily developed. immigrants accounted for 4% of The Visitor’s Centre that opened the groups visiting Parliament. in the Little Parliament annex in Paola Gomez Burgos, an 2004 broke the 100,000 visitor 18-year-old student at Helsin- mark last spring. Visitors can learn ki Diakonia College who comes more about Parliament by watch- from Bolivia, took a guided tour ing videos or picking up brochures in December 2009 together with that are on display. Events, lectures A guided tour of Parliament some of her student friends. and theme days related to parlia- sparked Paola Gomez Burgos’ ”The visit was exciting, since the mentary work are also arranged at interest in coming back for building is valuable for both Finns the Visitor’s Centre. n a plenary session.

There are many ways to learn about Parliament

All plenary sessions of Parlia- come to participate in guided The Parliament Information Offi­ ment are open to the public. The tours on the weekend. Informa- ce, [email protected] door to the public gallery opens tion concerning tours is available or +3589 432 2020, 432 2021 15 minutes before the start of a at www.eduskunta.fi. and 432 2025, serves citizens in session. Brochures published by Par- questions regarding Parliament Guided tours can be booked liament are available in sev- and parliamentary work. by calling +3589 432 2027 or eral languages at the Visitor’s The Library of Parliament e-mailing oppaat@eduskunta. Centre or the Library of Par- (Aurorankatu 6) is open to the fi. The minimum group size is 6 liament, free of charge. They public. Opening hours are post- persons and the maximum 25 can also be ordered from ed on the library’s website at persons. Individuals are wel- [email protected]. www.parliament.fi/library.

PARLIAMENT OF FINLAND 2009 15 Personnel, finances and administration

In addition to MPs and their reach the age of 64 and are likely The price of democracy: assistants, Parliament employs 470 to retire by 2015. According to the 16 euros per citizen persons. This includes lawyers, personnel plan, for every two posts carpenters, secretaries, clerks, that become vacant, only one will be The Parliamentary Office’s custodians, data processors, filled at most. operational expenditure includes librarians, security staff and In 2009 Parliament saved personnel, real estate and computer technicians. money by not filling thirty vacant information management costs. Two-thirds of the employees posts. Costs were also cut by closer Parliament’s total costs also include of the Parliamentary Office are monitoring of the budget. The MPs’, their assistants’ and political women. The largest category of Parliamentary Office’s operational groups’ costs. These have remained personnel is cleaners, who must expenditure amounted to slightly practically unchanged in recent attend to 47,100 square metres of over 43 million euros. Operational years. floor space. expenditure has fallen during this In 2009 Parliament’s expenses Nearly a fifth of the employees electoral term. totalled €88.4 million. As a of the Parliamentary Office will legislative body Parliament cost €16.22 per citizen. This can be regarded as the price of democracy.

Administrative reform Parliament’s expenses 2009 MPs’, assistants’ and continues (total €88,4 million) group offices’ costs During the current electoral term

million euros Parliament’s administration has 35 been reformed and modernized. In 2009 the development of the 30 operational and financial planning 25 system proceeded, and personnel planning and reporting systems 20 were further improved.

15 The Office Commission, which is headed by the Speaker 10 and composed of MPs, directs, MPs, their assistants and supervises and develops parliamentary groups €31,1 million 5 Parliament’s administration

Staff expenses €27,7 million 0 and financial management. It 2007 2008 2009 appoints Parliament’s highest Renovation and estate expenses €14,8 million officials and resolves significant MPs' costs matters regarding Parliament’s Information management Appropriation for parliamentary expenses €8,3 million group offices administration and financial management. Other expenses €6,5 million Assistants' costs

16 PARLIAMENT OF FINLAND 2009 Parliament has its own post office, which is staffed by parliamentary personnel. Marja Hatakka is shown here serving MP Arto Satonen (National Coalition Party).

In 2009 the Office Commission members were Erkki Pulliainen and is responsible for producing, included Speaker Sauli Niinistö, (Greens), Mikaela Nylander publishing and distributing Deputy Speakers Seppo Kääriäinen (Swedish People’s Party), Kari parliamentary documents and and Johannes Koskinen and MPs Kärkkäinen (Christian Democratic translating them into Swedish. The Tuomo Hänninen (Centre Party), Party) and Pirkko Ruohonen- Committee Secretariat takes care Merja Kyllönen (Left Alliance), Lerner (True Finns Party). of preparing committee meetings Petteri Orpo (National Coalition The Central Office plans and and documents that are needed for Party) and Heli Paasio (Social prepares Parliament’s plenary decision-making in plenary session. Democratic Party). Deputy sessions, records minutes of sessions The Security Department’s most

No change in MPs’ pay

MPs’ pay was not increased in 435 to 1,090 euros. MPs’ pay Helsinki metropolitan area. 2009. MPs receive a starting is taxable income. Separate A three-person remuneration salary of 5,860 euros a remuneration is not paid for committee appointed by the month. After three electoral attending committee meetings Speakers decides on MPs’ pay. terms this rises by nearly 500 or for late night or weekend The chair from 1 October 2008 euros. The Speaker receives sessions. to 30 September 2012 is Pekka 10,800 euros and the Deputy In addition to salary, MPs Tuomisto, with Maj-Len Remahl Speakers 9,000 euros a month. receive compensation for and Seppo Riski as members. Committee, subcommittee expenses ranging from 990 to In the budget expenditure for and parliamentary group 1,810 euros a month, depending Members of Parliament includes chairs receive a monthly on where they live and whether MPs’ pay, compensation for supplement ranging from they have a second home in the expenses and travel in Finland.

PARLIAMENT OF FINLAND 2009 17 The Central Office’s assistants also work as session technicians. They turn on MPs’ microphones in the order decided by the Speaker. In addition technicians monitor sound and video and record sessions. The Registry Office prepares minutes of plenary sessions from recordings.

visible task is security checks for Library of Parliament, the Research ment is responsible for administra- persons visiting Parliament, but it is Service and the Parliament Infor- tive ­matters such as finances, real also responsible for the functioning mation Office. The International estate, information technology and and development of Parliament’s Department takes care of relations ­personnel administration as well as security system as a whole. with international organizations the preparation of matters for the The Information and Commu- and other parliaments. Office Commission. n nication Department includes the The Administrative Depart-

PARLIAMENTARY OFFICE altogether 470 civil servants and 189 MP's personal assistants

Information and Communication International Department, 77 Department, 20 Library of Parliament Secretary General, 8 Research Service

Security Department, 44 Parliament Information Office

Committee Secretariat, 66 Central Office, 71 Administrative Department, 184 Secretariat of the Grand Secretariat Committee Administrative Office Swedish Office 15 Special Committees Real Estate Office Registry Office EU-Secretariat Accounts Office Documents Office Information Management Office MP's personal assistants, 189

18 PARLIAMENT OF FINLAND 2009 PARLIAMENT OF FINLAND CONTACT INFORMATION

Mailing address FI-00102 Eduskunta Helsinki FINLAND

Telephone: +358 9 4321

Website: www.parliament.fi

Parliament of Finland 2009

Editor: Parliament Information Office

Layout: Innocorp Oy/Milla Toro

Photos: Parliament photo archives • Valtteri Kantanen, front cover • Vesa Lindqvist, p. 2, 3, 4, 9, 15 • Lehtikuva/Vesa Moilanen, p. 2, 6, 7, 10,13, 14, 17, 18, back cover • Lehtikuva/Sari Gustafsson, p. 5 • Lehtikuva/Heikki Saukkomaa, p. 11 Back cover: • Tiina Virtanen, p. 12 Nearly 36,500 visitors took guided tours of Parliament in 2009. Information officer Printed by: Mar-Leena Kolehmainen shows a group Vammalan Kirjapaino Oy 2010 of school children a scale model of Parliament. ISSN 1799-0068 (print)