Eduskunta of Finland refers to the unicameral national parliament of Finland. The term "Eduskunta" itself literally translates as "Parliament" in the Finnish language. Established in 1906, it is the supreme legislative authority of the country and holds the primary responsibility for enacting laws, shaping policies, and representing the Finnish people. Comprised of 200 members, known as Members of Parliament (MPs), it operates based on a system of proportional representation, with general elections held every four years.
The main functions of the Eduskunta include passing laws, approving the state budget, ratifying international agreements, and monitoring the functioning of the government. Through its committees and plenary sessions, the Eduskunta examines bills and proposals presented by the government, debates their merits, and votes on them. Additionally, the parliament exercises democratic oversight by questioning ministers and officials, conducting investigations, and expressing opinions on societal issues.
The Eduskunta aims to reflect the democratic principles of equality and transparency within its structure and decision-making processes. It fosters a multi-party system where MPs actively engage in open discussions, debate conflicting views, and participate in decision-making through voting. The parliament constitutes an essential platform for expressing citizens' interests, promoting dialogue among political actors, and ensuring the accountable governance of Finland.
As a symbol of Finnish democracy, the Eduskunta plays a central role in shaping the nation's future, safeguarding citizens' rights, and advancing the welfare of the Finnish society through legislative actions and political debate.
