Parliament session opens today in tense mood

Lukewarm response to selection of Speaker could lead to further upheavals

Sauli Niinistö

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President Tarja Halonen will today open the final session of Parliament in the current electoral term, under circumstances that are unusual to say the least, and with a level of tension seldom seen in the chamber.
      Yesterday's selection by MPs of a Speaker and Deputy Speakers for the session was marked by numerous protest votes in the case of Speaker Sauli Niinistö, who was re-elected with just 89 votes out of the 200 members, the lowest figure since 1929 in an election that is normally something of a foregone conclusion (See linked article from Tuesday).
     
The lukewarm response of MPs towards Niinistö, who has been active of late in trying to cut Parliamentary spending and benefits, left the popular former National Coalition Party leader and Finance Minister (who is also the frontrunner in advance betting on the 2012 Presidency) dumbfounded, and even prompted him to consider resigning from the post he had just been appointed to.
      In practice, the elected Speaker cannot unilaterally walk away, but any decision must be made by a full plenary session of Parliament, which could if necessary call a vote on the matter.
      In theory, Parliament could even vote to reject any such resignation, though this would be extremely unlikely, as the motion would be put forward by the Presidium composed of the Speaker, Deputy Speakers, and the chairs of the various Parliamentary Committees.
     
The so-called "long session" running up to a general election in March 2011 promises to be a very interesting one, not least because of the public vote lurking on the horizon and the changes that will occur to the Centre Party - and possibly the position of Prime Minister - following Matti Vanhanen's decision just before Christmas not to seek re-election to the Centre Party chairman's position in June of this year.
      The furore surrounding Niinistö's position has injected yet another element of uncertainty into the proceedings at a time when MPs will also have to ponder ways of pulling Finland back to its feet after the recession.
     
Before the formal opening of Parliament, the MPs will attend a service in Helsinki Cathedral.
      The opening ceremonies can also be followed live on YLE TV 1 from 13:25.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Niinistö considers options after lack of support from MPs in Speaker´s election (2.2.2010)

See also:
  Mari Kiviniemi joins race for Centre Party leadership (22.1.2010)
  Paavo Väyrynen seeks return to Centre Party leadership (20.1.2010)
  Niinistö organises inspection of finances of Parliament’s hobby clubs (8.10.2009)

Links:
  Parliament of Finland

Helsingin Sanomat