REPLY BY PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC TARJA HALONEN TO THE PRIME MINISTER AT THE PRESIDENTIAL PALACE ON 1.3.2000

I thank you warmly for the congratulations and wishes for success that you have extended on your own and the Government’s behalf. Speaking for myself, I want to thank you, my former colleagues, for good and fruitful cooperation that in some of your cases has spanned two Governments.

Close cooperation founded on trust between Parliament, the President of the Republic and the Government is always a prerequisite for the good management of our country’s affairs. The importance of this collaboration will be further accentuated against the background of the new Constitution that entered into force today.

I have today given an assurance in Parliament that I shall bear my share of the responsibility for the equality that the Constitution promises citizens. I know that the Government is striving towards the same end through its efforts both to improve employment and ensure balanced development of our country. I want to assure you that I shall support the Government in its endeavour.

The new Constitution requires the President of the Republic to conduct Finland’s foreign policy in collaboration with the Government, whilst you, Prime Minister, and the Government bear primary responsibility for European Union matters. We have seen in recent years how quickly changes happen and in what a complex way matters can become intertwined. That will probably continue to be the case.

To ensure coherence and consistency in foreign and security policy as well as to arrive at the best possible solutions it is essential that the President and the Government cooperate closely and long-term. I can assure you of my willingness to do so.

I wish the Government the very best of luck in its work.