The People Elect the President – the Parliament Elects the Prime Minister
CHAPTER 5
The President of the Republic is elected directly. A candidate has to be a native Finnish citizen entitled to vote.
Candidates nominated by parties and groups of voters participate in the first round of the elections.
If no candidate receives a majority of the votes cast a second round is arranged. The candidates in the run-off are the two who received most votes in the first round. The one receiving more votes is elected President.
The presidential term is six years. The same person may be elected President for no more than two consecutive terms, i.e. for altogether twelve years.
The President takes most decisions on a proposal of the Government.
The Government has to enjoy the confidence of the Parliament. After parliamentary elections the parliamentary groups negotiate and agree on the formation of a new government. The Parliament elects the Prime Minister who is appointed by the President. The other ministers the President appoints on the basis of a nomination by the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister heads the work of the Government. The most important issues – such as law and budget bills – are decided in governmental sessions.
The ministers see to the drafting of bills concerning their administrative branch and to the enforcement of decisions taken by the Parliament.
