Eduskunta
Eduskunta is the unicameral parliament of Finland. Here are some detailed aspects:
History and Formation
- Eduskunta was established in 1906, following the Finnish Parliament Act of 1906, which replaced the previous four-estate Diet with a modern unicameral parliament.
- The first elections to the Eduskunta were held in 1907, marking the first time women were allowed to vote in Europe.
- Originally, the Eduskunta had 200 members, but this number was increased to 301 in 2000 to better represent the growing population.
Structure
- The Eduskunta comprises 200 members who are elected every four years through a system of proportional representation.
- The parliament is divided into 13 standing committees which handle legislative work, policy oversight, and the scrutiny of the government's activities.
- The Speaker of the Eduskunta, elected by its members, presides over the sessions.
Functions
- Legislation: Drafting, debating, and passing laws.
- Oversight: Monitoring the work of the government and state institutions.
- Budget Approval: The Eduskunta must approve the national budget.
- EU Affairs: Participation in European Union legislative processes through the Grand Committee.
Notable Features
- The Eduskunta building, located in Helsinki, is a significant architectural landmark, designed by architects Johan Sigfrid Sirén and Gunnar Lorentz.
- It has a unique 'question hour' where MPs can directly question ministers.
- The Eduskunta has a high level of transparency, with most sessions being open to the public.
Recent Developments
- In recent years, there have been discussions about increasing the number of members to reflect population growth and enhance representation.
- The Eduskunta has become increasingly active in international parliamentary cooperation, especially within the Nordic Council.
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