Speech by President of the Republic Tarja Halonen at the closing of the electoral period, 13 March 2007

(check against delivery)

The four-year term of this Parliament, which is now ending, has been very busy in a number of ways. This is undoubtedly partly due to the hectic pace of the world today, but Parliament must also have wanted it that way. The position of Finland’s Parliament is exceptionally strong when we consider the parliaments of other Member States of the European Union, as indeed you yourself, Mr Speaker, observed in your speech at the opening of the Parliamentary session in 2005. The committee appointed by the Speaker’s Council, and Parliament itself, have examined the duties of Parliament in the light of the future development of the European Union. My understanding is that the conclusion drawn was that the volume of work is likely to increase rather than decrease.

As the EU increases in size and influence, the volume and importance of the matters it must handle will also increase. This has already led the EU and its Member States to give serious thought to their shared influence and a sensible division of duties. Here, too, the debate and possible progress made on the Constitutional Treaty during the German Presidency are highly important.

The European Union is faced with many new demands regarding international functions, both internally and externally. Strengthening and boosting sustainable development emerged as the main theme of last week’s summit. Curbing climate change is a major issue of paramount importance, and the next Government and Parliament in Finland will inevitably have to address it.

The other side of sustainable development — achieving a more human globalization — is still far short of the goal. The purpose of the Doha round of negotiations initiated by the World Trade Organization in 2001 is to bring more fairness to free trade. Both the developing and industrialized countries hope for the Doha round to promote employment and welfare in both north and south. Great efforts are required from the EU to prevent the negotiations from stalling.

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Over the past four years, I have discussed with Members of Parliament about security and defence policy, crisis management operations, human rights and many other issues in international politics. Most frequently this has involved the Foreign Affairs Committee, but such discussions have also taken place in other committees and in informal international-affairs groups. I would like to stress that these largely unofficial meetings have made me realize that this Parliament has a keen interest in international activities.

This is as it should be, since Finland is part of the world, and what happens in the world affects us, too.

Mr Speaker,

As you noted, during the past electoral period there has been lively debate on the division of authority between the highest organs of state in international matters; specifically in the relationship between foreign policy and EU policy.

The purpose of the constitutional reform was to ensure that the new Constitution would be relatively stable. Therefore, its preparation involved addressing issues where there were pressures for change. Another aim was to avoid undue detail and rigidity in constitutional provisions.

Our Constitution and our tradition of political practice are based on joint co-operation by the highest organs of state. Differing views, which are part and parcel of political decision-making, cannot be harmonized through legislative provisions — the law simply creates the legal framework. I feel that the Constitution has proved itself through two coalition governments. The new Constitution has only been in force for seven years, which is a very short time for assessing how well its provisions really function. Nevertheless, I do agree with you, Mr Speaker, that we should not shy away from discussing issues openly and frankly.

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International politics in general and the relationship between the organs of state have been mainly conspicuous by their absence in the election debate. Polls show that Finnish citizens are relatively satisfied with our foreign and security policy. Their concerns for the future seem principally to involve health care services, well-being of the elderly, employment and climate change.

These are all serious and important issues. The Parliament, which has now ended its work, has contributed to building our society. Finland’s economic development has been good and employment has improved: the unemployment rate has been lowered and the employment rate raised. These are crucial achievements for our economic and social well-being. Legislation to help us prepare for the ageing of our population has also been enacted during the past electoral period.

Ensuring economic, social and cultural fundamental rights is largely up to the local authorities. Municipalities have widely differing economic potential for offering their residents these services. The differences are so great that it has been difficult to ensure the equality of citizens as regards the accessibility of services.

One does not need a crystal ball to say that these issues will be found on the agenda of the next Government and Parliament too.

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It was one hundred years ago, almost exactly to the day, that the first parliamentary election was held in Finland, where all Finns over the age of 24 were entitled to vote. The 35th parliamentary election this Sunday is thus a cause for celebration. The voter turnout at that first election was almost 71%, and our two most recent elections, in 1999 and 2003, have not attained the same level.

In a democratic country, it is important for everyone to vote. It is easily forgotten that exclusion can be social, too, not just financial. Exclusion from social decision-making finds reflection in our common future.

This year, voter turnout in the advance ballots looks promising. Let’s hope that the numbers will stay high.

Mr Speaker, distinguished Members of Parliament, I would like to thank you for your excellent cooperation, and to thank Parliament as a whole for the work it has done for the nation.

I proclaim this electoral period of Parliament closed.