President Tarja Halonen on Tuesday took a swipe at the government's policy toward companies in which the state has a shareholding. The President made her remarks at her speech at the opening of this year's session of Parliament.
Addressing the Parliament, Halonen emphasised that companies have a social responsibility for ecologically and socially just sustainable development.
The focus of recent debate has been the government's hands-off attitude toward the decision of the paper company Stora Enso to close two large installations - its pulp mill in Kemijärvi in Finnish Lapland and the Summa paper mill in Hamina on the south coast.
Halonen noted that Parliament ultimately has the power to decide on corporate ownership policy. "Responsibility comes from power. I wish Parliament wisdom in decision-making."
Halonen came out against moves to reduce the authority of the President in foreign policy, and to change the way that the President is elected. She notes that the new constitution has been in force for just eight years, which is a "relatively short time to gather experiences".
She also said that the various branches of government have worked together well in foreign policy matters.
The constitution obliges the President and the government to work together in the leadership of foreign policy. The President said that this extensive representation has been an international strength for Finland.
"I feel that the key goals of reforming the constitution have been implemented well with respect to the balance of power of the top branches of government", Halonen said. She also noted that public opinion appears to be opposed to changing the position of the President.
In connection with the constitution, Halonen noted that there should also be an assessment on how fundamental rights are implemented.
On the issue of crisis management cooperation, the President said that Finland is bearing its own responsibility in the matter well.
Halonen did not take up the question of Finnish participation in the NATO Response Force, but she said that in the present situation, Finland "needs to carefully consider taking new responsibilities."
