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About Finland - The Government
The head of state is the President of the Republic who is elected
for a period of six years and may serve a maximum of two consecutive
terms. The President is chosen by direct popular vote, with a run-off
between the two leading candidates if no candidate wins an overall
majority in the first round of voting. In 2000, the Finns elected
their first female president, Tarja Halonen who was re-elected in
2006 for another 6 year term. The Government must enjoy the confidence
of parliament (the Eduskunta) which has 200 members elected every
four years. In recent decades, the three biggest parties in parliament
have consistently been the Social Democratic Party, the Centre Party,
and the moderate conservative National Coalition Party. Multiparty
coalition governments, the prevailing type, usually include two
of the aforementioned parties. The leader of the Government, the
Prime Minister, normally comes from the party with the most seats
in parliament. Finland's present constitution, adopted in 2000,
allocates more power to the Prime Minister than its predecessor
did.
In its foreign policy Finland promotes sustainable development,
stability and security in the international community and endeavours
to strengthen Finland’s international position. Finland attaches
special importance to principles such as democracy, the rule of
law and human rights, in line with long-established Nordic values.
As a member of the European Union since 1995, Finland is part of
an influential body in world politics. Finland is an active member
of the Union and supports a further strengthening of its Common
Foreign and Security Policy, including its capability to act in
crisis management. Finland is also a firm proponent of the Union’s
enlargement process.
Finland’s foreign and security policy is based on military
non-alliance and credible national defence. Finland cooperates with
NATO in the PfP programme. Finland also has long experience of participation
in UN peacekeeping operations. Finland works actively to strengthen
multilateral cooperation, the United Nations and international law
in general. Finland has launched the Helsinki Process which aims
to improve current global governance structures.
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