On Tuesday, Finland witnessed the inauguration of its new government under the leadership of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo. The government comprises the prime minister and 18 ministers hailing from prominent political parties including the National Coalition Party, the Finns Party, the Swedish People’s Party, and the Christian Democrats.
During the government’s official visit to the presidential palace, Prime Minister Orpo delivered a speech emphasizing that the Finnish people have expressed a desire for change. He acknowledged the unified stance of the government parties regarding the state of public finances and emphasized the need for fiscal responsibility, stating, “We must tighten our belts.”
Prime Minister Orpo, born in November 1969, has a notable political career. He entered Parliament in 2007 and has previously served in various ministerial roles, including Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Minister of the Interior, and Minister of Finance. In the summer of 2016, he was elected as the leader of the National Coalition Party.
In its inaugural plenary session, the new government deliberated on crucial matters such as the allocation of responsibilities among ministers, the formation of ministerial committees and working groups, and the establishment of deputizing arrangements for ministers. Additionally, the Orpo government presented its comprehensive government program to Parliament, outlining its priorities and plans for the nation’s future.
