Water services in finland

Abstract

"The Republic of Finland is a Western democracy with a President elected for a 6-year term, and a 200-member, unicameral Parliament elected every four years. Under the Constitution of Finland, which entered into force on 1.3.2000, executive power is vested in the President and the Council of State (i.e. the Government) composed of a Prime Minister and a sufficient number of ministers (presently not more than 18) who must enjoy the confidence of Parliament. This principle is reflected in other provisions of the Constitution concerning the President’s functions and powers dealing with legislation, decrees, appointment of public officials, and so on. The number of issues falling within the scope of the President's executive powers has increased strongly after the 1919 Constitution was drafted. However, in recent years executive power has been increasingly transferred to the Council of State. EU membership has also contributed to this trend. Parliament consists of one chamber with 200 members chosen for four years by a direct and proportional election. Based on the last election (2003) results, 75 of the 200 MPs are women and eight of the 18 ministerial posts are held by women. The Prime Minister is elected by Parliament and thereafter formally appointed to office by the President of the Republic. The President appoints the other ministers in accordance with a proposal from the Prime Minister. The President of the Republic is elected by direct popular vote. The State Provincial Offices act as the joint regional authorities for seven different ministries, promoting the national and regional objectives of the central government (Figure 2). They are active within the administration of the following domains: social and health care, education and culture, police administration, rescue services, traffic administration, consumer, competition and foodstuff administration, veterinary services and animal protection, judicial administration and sports and youth affairs (State Provincial Offices of Finland 2003). The State Provincial Offices support and evaluate the implementation of local services within their territory. The basic services universally available to each Finnish citizen are primarily produced by municipalities, but the State Provincial Offices monitor and evaluate the manner in which municipalities fulfil their tasks. The State Provincial Offices also oversee monitoring and inspection activity within their territories and grant various licences and permits. "(pg 1-2)