Features of the political system of Finland

Having considered the political systems of several countries, as well as the European Union, we decided to take a closer look at the political structure of one of the Nordic countries — a region considered to be one of the most democratic and developed in the world. We chose Finland for this purpose. It is a parliamentary republic that gained independence from Russia in 1917¹. To better understand the features of its political system, let us examine in more detail what components it consists of.

Legislative power (Parliament)

The Parliament of Finland is a unicameral body called the Eduskunta (translated from Finnish as Parliament). It consists of 200 representatives elected for a four-year term (Section 24 of the Constitution)².

Representatives are elected by a proportional vote (Section 25), without passing an electoral threshold. The same section of the Constitution specifies that for the purpose of parliamentary elections, the country is divided into 12–18 constituencies based on population. In addition, the Åland Islands province forms a separate constituency and has the right to elect one representative. The right to nominate candidates in parliamentary elections belongs to registered political parties, as well as to groups of voters who hold the right to vote — subject to collecting the number of signatures required by law (Section 25).

Powers of Parliament

Legislative function (Section 3). Legislative proposals are introduced to Parliament during a session — either as Government proposals or as a Member’s motion (Section 39). Also, a group of at least 50,000 citizens with the right to vote may submit a citizens’ initiative to Parliament as provided by law (Section 53).

Scrutiny functions. The Parliament of Finland exercises oversight over the activities of the Council of State (Government) in the following areas:

a) Interpellation (Section 43). A group of at least 20 Members of Parliament may submit an interpellation addressed to the Government or an individual minister concerning a matter falling within their competence. A reply to the interpellation must be given in a plenary session of Parliament within 15 days of the Government being notified. At the conclusion of the debate, a vote of confidence may be held if a motion of no confidence has been presented.

b) Statements and reports (Section 44). The Government may submit a statement or report to Parliament on a matter relating to governance or international relations. A vote of confidence may follow the debate on a statement (if a motion of no confidence is presented). Debate on a report does not involve a vote of confidence.

c) Parliamentary questions (Section 45). A Member of Parliament has the right to address questions to a minister on matters within the minister’s purview. The procedure for submitting questions and providing answers is regulated by the Rules of Procedure of Parliament. The Prime Minister or a minister designated by the Prime Minister may present an announcement to Parliament on a topical issue. A plenary debate may be organized on the statement, which does not involve taking decisions. A deviation from the standard procedure for granting the floor is permitted (Section 31 of the Constitution).

d) Annual report (Section 46). Each year, the Government submits to Parliament a report on its measures, the implementation of parliamentary decisions, the state of the public finances, and compliance with the budget. Other reports provided for by the Constitution, laws, and the Rules of Procedure are also submitted.

Election to bodies and delegations (Section 36). Parliament elects trustees to oversee the activities of the Social Insurance Institution of Finland.

Parliament also forms other bodies provided for by the Constitution, laws, and the Rules of Procedure. Representatives of Parliament to international bodies created on the basis of international treaties are elected in accordance with the procedure established by law or the Rules of Procedure of Parliament.

Early elections (Section 26). The President of the Republic, upon a reasoned proposal by the Prime Minister and after consultation with the parliamentary groups, may order early elections. Following this, Parliament determines the date on which its work ceases. The newly elected Parliament meets in session on the first day of the month that begins no earlier than 90 days after the ordering of the elections, unless an earlier date has been set.

International and European affairs.

a) Participation in EU affairs (Section 93). Parliament participates in the national preparation of decisions taken in the European Union in accordance with the Constitution.

b) International treaties (Section 94). Parliament ratifies international treaties if they fall within the domain of legislation, are of major significance, or require approval under the Constitution. The denunciation of such treaties also requires the consent of Parliament. Decisions are taken by a majority vote. However, if an obligation concerns the Constitution, an alteration of the territory, or the transfer of powers of major significance to international organizations or the EU, an approval by at least two-thirds of the votes cast is required.

Financial powers.

a) State budget (Section 83). Parliament approves the state budget for each financial year. The adopted budget is published in the “Statute Book of Finland”.

b) Financial oversight (Section 90). Oversight of the state finances and compliance with the budget is carried out through the Audit Committee and the National Audit Office.

c) Bank of Finland (Section 91). Parliament elects the Parliamentary Supervisory Council of the Bank of Finland to oversee its operations.

Head of state: President of Finland

The head of state in Finland is the President of the Republic, elected by direct election for a term of six years. Only a native-born citizen of Finland may be elected President. The same person may not be elected President for more than two consecutive terms (Constitution, Section 54).

The right to nominate a candidate belongs to:

• Registered parties that have obtained at least one seat in the previous Parliamentary elections;
• At least 20,000 voters with the right to vote (Section 54).

The President takes decisions:

• Upon the proposal of the Government (Section 58);
• Independently on a number of matters specified in the law.

If the President does not accept the proposal of the Government, the matter is returned for preparation. In certain cases, the Government may submit the matter to Parliament, which takes the decision if the initiative is supported again.

Decisions are presented to the President by the relevant minister. Matters concerning the composition of the entire Government are presented by a specially designated rapporteur. The President is the Commander-in-Chief of the defense forces (Section 128). The President may delegate this position to another Finnish citizen upon proposal of the Government.

The President takes decisions on mobilization (Section 129), appoints military officers, and issues military orders jointly with the Minister of Defence in the manner provided by law. The decision on Finland’s participation in international military operations is taken under a separate act. The President directs foreign policy in cooperation with the Government (Section 93).

However, Parliament:

• Takes decisions on international obligations and their denunciation;
• Approves the bringing into force of obligations if provided for by the Constitution;
• Decisions on war and peace are taken by the President only with the consent of Parliament.

The President appoints judges (Section 104) and the Prosecutor-General (Section 105), may grant a full or partial pardon from a sentence based on an opinion of the Supreme Court (Section 106), and appoints heads of diplomatic missions and the head of the Office of the President (Section 126). An amnesty may only be granted by an Act of Parliament.

The President may be held accountable only for:

• High treason;
• Treason;
• Crimes against humanity.

In these cases, the Chancellor of Justice, the Ombudsman, or the Government may refer the matter to Parliament (Section 113). If Parliament, by a three-fourths majority of votes cast, decides to bring charges, the prosecution is conducted by the Prosecutor-General before the High Court of Impeachment, and the President is suspended from office for the duration of the proceedings. In the event of the temporary absence of the President, the duties are performed by the Prime Minister, and if the Prime Minister is unable to do so, by the minister acting as Prime Minister (Section 59).

Legislative procedure

An Act adopted by Parliament is submitted to the President for confirmation (Section 77). The President must decide on confirmation within three months; the President may request an opinion from the Supreme Court or the Supreme Administrative Court (there is no Constitutional Court in Finland). If the President refuses confirmation, the Act is returned to Parliament; if Parliament re-adopts the Act without amendments, it enters into force without confirmation. Following confirmation, the Act is signed by the President and countersigned by the minister, then published in the “Statute Book of Finland” (Section 79).

If the President does not confirm the Act within the deadline, it is returned immediately to Parliament. Following a report from a committee, the Act may be:

• Adopted without amendments;
• Rejected by a simple majority of votes (Section 78).

Government of Finland

The Government of Finland is the Council of State, which, alongside the President, exercises executive power (Section 3 of the Constitution).

As of March 20, 2025, the Council of State includes the following ministries (some of which are headed by multiple ministers)³:

1. Prime Minister’s Office (Prime Minister, Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering);
2. Ministry for Foreign Affairs (Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development);
3. Ministry of Justice;
4. Ministry of the Interior;
5. Ministry of Defence;
6. Ministry of Finance (Minister of Finance, Minister of Local and Regional Government);
7. Ministry of Education and Culture (Minister of Education, Minister of Science and Culture, Minister of Youth, Sport and Physical Activity);
8. Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry;
9. Ministry of Transport and Communications;
10. Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment (Minister of Economic Affairs, Minister of Employment);
11. Ministry of Social Affairs and Health (Minister of Social Affairs and Health, Minister of Social Security);
12. Ministry of the Environment.

The head of the Government is the Prime Minister, who, according to Section 66 of the Constitution:

• Directs the activities of the Government and coordinates the preparation and consideration of matters falling within its purview;
• Chairs the plenary sessions of the Government;
• Represents Finland in the European Council and at other events of the European Union requiring the participation of the highest national leadership, unless the Government decides otherwise.

The Council of State also:

• Ensures the national preparation of decisions taken in the European Union;
• Decides on Finland’s subsequent actions unless parliamentary participation is required (Section 93);
• Appoints persons to public offices, unless this falls within the competence of the President, ministries, or other bodies (Section 126);
• Issues decrees concerning temporary restrictions, which are subject to immediate consideration by Parliament (Section 23).

In the absence of the Prime Minister, duties are performed by the designated deputy, and in the event of the latter’s absence, by the most senior minister in service. Ministers are accountable to Parliament. Each minister is responsible for the decisions made with their participation in the Council of State, unless they have expressed a dissenting opinion entered into the minutes (Section 60). The process of forming a government includes:

• Negotiations among parliamentary groups on the government program and the composition of the Council of State;
• The President, having heard the opinion of the Speaker of Parliament, nominates a candidate for Prime Minister;
• Parliament elects the Prime Minister by open vote. The candidate is considered elected if receiving more than half of the votes cast;
• If an insufficient number of votes is received, a new candidate is nominated. In the event of a second failure, a vote is held among candidates, and the one receiving the most votes is considered elected.

The President appoints the Prime Minister and, upon proposal, the other ministers (Section 61). The President, the Council of State, and ministries may issue decrees on the basis of authorization granted by the Constitution or other acts (Section 80). Matters affecting the fundamental rights and obligations of citizens, as well as other important spheres, must be regulated specifically by an Act.

If it is not specified which body is entitled to issue subordinate regulations, this is done by the Council of State. Other bodies may be authorized for such activities only if there are special grounds and provided that the matters do not require regulation by an Act or decree. The scope of such authorization must be clearly defined.

Organizations

Between the regions and the Republic of Finland, there exist a number of bodies⁶ ensuring their interaction. First and foremost, these are Regional State Administrative Agencies—territorial units of the central government that implement legislation, provide guidance, and exercise oversight in the regions⁷.

The main functions of the Agencies include:

• ensuring the implementation of fundamental rights and legal protection;
• ensuring access to basic public services;
• environmental protection and sustainable use of natural resources; supporting internal security;
• ensuring a safe and healthy living and working environment.

Some agencies also perform specific tasks established by law. For example, the Agency in Lapland deals with Sami language matters and reindeer meat inspection, while the Regional State Administrative Agency for Western and Inland Finland is responsible for lost property offices and Swedish language training⁸. In total, six Regional State Administrative Agencies operate in Finland, covering the following areas⁹:

• Southern Finland;
• Eastern Finland;
• Lapland;
• South-Western Finland;
• Western and Inland Finland;
• Northern Finland.

In addition to agencies, an important role is played by ELY Centres — 15 regional bodies responsible for implementing state policy locally. They contribute to:

• sustainable development of the living environment;
• business competitiveness;
• regional economic growth.

ELY Centres implement¹⁰:

• support for entrepreneurship (including advisory services and funding);
• planning and maintenance of transport infrastructure;
• guidance of construction projects;
• environmental protection and management of conservation areas.

Wellbeing services counties

A special category consists of wellbeing services counties — 21 in total. They provide social and healthcare services at the regional level. The counties are funded mainly from the state budget, as well as through client and user fees¹¹. However, the counties do not have the right to levy taxes on the population. The responsibilities of the counties include the following types of services:

• primary healthcare;
• specialised healthcare;
• social welfare;
• services for children, young people, and families;
• mental health services;
• substance abuse services;
• services for people with disabilities;
• student welfare services;
• rescue services.

The counties are responsible for the operation of:

• social and health centres;
• hospitals;
• fire and rescue services.

Unlike Regional State Administrative Agencies, wellbeing services counties are self-governing bodies. The highest decision-making authority in a county is the county council, whose members are elected in county elections held every four years.

The City of Helsinki is an exception: it is not part of any wellbeing services county and organizes the relevant services independently. Consequently, no county elections are held in Helsinki¹².

Regions of Finland

Finland consists of 19 regions (their existence is guaranteed by Section 121 of the Constitution), which are also called regional councils. Since the Åland Islands possess a special status distinct from the rest¹³, the structure of the 18 mainland regions is considered below.

The main body of a region is the Regional Council — the highest political decision-making body at the regional level¹⁴. It is formed by the municipalities belonging to the region, which elect their representatives for a four-year term.

Example: the region of Kainuu. The Kainuu Regional Council consists of 35 members, each having a personal deputy. The composition of the council is formed proportionally to election results: if a political group received 10% of the votes, it receives about 10% of the seats in the council (for example, 5 out of 51). Members of the Regional Council must also be municipal councillors in their localities. An example of seat distribution in Kainuu by municipality:

• Kajaani — 15;
• Kuhmo — 4;
• Sotkamo — 4;
• Suomussalmi — 4;
• Hyrynsalmi — 2;
• Paltamo — 2;
• Puolanka — 2;
• Ristijärvi — 2.

The main functions of the regions are enshrined in law and include:

• regional development;
• land use planning;
• participation in the implementation of EU programs;
• international cooperation;
• preservation of the region’s culture and traditions.

The Regional Council operates on the basis of legislation and standing orders approved by all participating municipalities.

The Regional Board is a preparatory and executive body elected by the Regional Council. It reflects the political composition of the region¹⁵, meaning that if a political group received 20% of the votes, it will receive, for example, 2 out of 11 seats. In Kainuu, the board consists of 12 members: Kajaani has at least 4 representatives, and the remaining municipalities at least one each.

The Regional Cooperation Group is elected by the Regional Board. In Kainuu, it includes 16 members and 8 experts. Representation in the group must be proportional to election results¹⁶. The group includes representatives of:

• Municipalities and the Regional Council;
• State structures and organizations funding programs;
• Other significant actors of regional development, such as trade unions and business organizations, as well as other civil society representatives, environmental organizations, and organizations promoting gender equality.

The main tasks of the board:

• Preparation and implementation of EU programs;
• Distribution of EU funds;
• Statements on project funding;
• Participation in the development of the Regional Programme.

The Audit Committee monitors the achievement of goals set before the Regional Council. Its members are elected by the Regional Council. The chairperson and vice-chairperson are chosen from among the active members of the council, and the rest from among full and deputy members of the Assembly. In Kainuu, the audit committee consists of 7 people.

Åland Islands

The Åland Islands are a special region of Finland that possesses autonomous, demilitarised status and is an entirely Swedish-speaking territory¹⁷¹⁸.

The only official language of the Åland Islands is Swedish. In accordance with the Act on the Autonomy of Åland, all authorities — regional, municipal, and state operating within the territory of the region — are required to use Swedish. Communication between Finnish state authorities and Åland authorities is also conducted exclusively in Swedish¹⁹. At the same time, Finnish citizens have the right to use the Finnish language in their personal cases before courts and other state bodies operating in the Åland Islands. The foundation of autonomy consists of the Constitution of Finland (Section 120) and the Act on the Autonomy of Åland. The region has its own representative in the Parliament of Finland (Section 25), who is elected on general grounds.

The legislative body of the Åland Islands is the Lagtinget, consisting of 30 MPs elected every four years. The voting age is 18. In addition, voting rights depend on holding regional citizenship (right of domicile). The Lagtinget passes laws on internal administration and approves the region’s budget. Budget revenue is formed from own revenues and state subsidies that compensate for taxes paid by the region. It has the right to pass laws in the following areas (key areas listed in summary)²²:

1. Internal structure: parliament, government, public authorities;
2. Local authorities and municipal administration;
3. Financial matters: taxation, fees, budget;
4. Public order, fire safety;
5. Healthcare, education, culture, social protection;
6. Nature conservation, land and water resources;
7. Transport, roads, shipping;
8. Economic activities, entrepreneurship;
9. Occupational safety, hunting, fishing;
10. Housing relations, tenancy, construction;
11. Veterinary medicine, animal protection;
12. Local symbols (flag, coat of arms);
13. Regional fines, offenses.

Finnish legislation applies in areas not falling under regional jurisdiction. These include²⁴:

1. Constitutional order;
2. Foreign policy;
3. Criminal and civil law (in a broad sense);
4. Citizenship, administration of justice, security;
5. Unified monetary system, taxation;
6. Ecclesiastical law, telecommunications, defence;
7. Healthcare and pharmaceutical circulation;
8. Nuclear energy and explosive substances;
9. Aviation, foreign trade, standardization;
10. Rights of foreigners and international obligations.

The Government of the Åland Islands is appointed by the parliament of the region²⁵. It performs functions similar to those of the Finnish Government and ministries. Structure of the government²⁶:

1. Department of the Premier (landskapsregeringens kansli);
2. Department of Education and Culture;
3. Department of Infrastructure and Climate;
4. Department of Finance;
5. Department of Trade and Industry and the Environment;
6. Department of Civil Affairs;
7. Department of Social Affairs and Health.

Foreign policy-wise, the Åland Islands also have specific features: for example, when Finland joined the European Union in 1995, the Parliament of Åland expressed its consent to the province’s membership in the EU in accordance with the Act on Autonomy after two separate referendums. Åland’s relationship with the Union is regulated by a protocol containing special provisions on the acquisition of real estate and the right to conduct business in the province, thereby confirming the special status of the province in accordance with international law.

The Åland Protocol also provides that the territory of the Åland Islands shall be treated as a third territory for indirect taxation purposes, which allows tax-free sales to travellers travelling between Åland and other EU member states, despite the fact that duty-free sales for transport between EU member states ended on 1 July 1999. This derogation also allows duty-free sales to travellers travelling between Åland and mainland Finland.

Regarding demilitarisation, the following must also be said: the Åland Islands are demilitarised. This means that there may be no military presence and that the islands may not be fortified. The Åland Islands are also neutralised and must therefore be kept outside the theatre of war in the event of conflict. The reason for this status is that when the Åland Islands were incorporated into the Russian Empire in 1809, the new rulers of the islands initiated the construction of a large fortress at Bomarsund on the eastern side of the main island. During the Crimean War, French and British troops attacked and captured the fortress, and in the subsequent peace negotiations held in Paris in 1856, the Åland Islands were demilitarised through a unilateral commitment on the part of Russia.

When the League of Nations resolved the issue of the constitutional status of the Åland Islands in 1921, a decision was also made to draft an international convention. Ten states signed the convention, which confirmed the 1856 demilitarisation and also neutralised the Åland Islands.

Russia is not a party to the 1921 convention, but the 1940 Moscow Treaty on the Åland Islands and the 1947 Paris Peace Treaty contain provisions on the demilitarisation of the Åland Islands.

Municipality

The lowest level of administrative division in Finland consists of municipalities, which, according to Section 121 of the Constitution, possess the right to self-government and their own taxation. As of 2024, there were 309 municipalities in the country, 108 of which call themselves cities²⁷.

Municipalities are responsible for providing residents with certain mandatory basic services. These services are funded mainly through municipal taxes, transfers from the central government, as well as fees for individual services²⁸. Tasks may be assigned to municipalities only if explicitly provided for by law. In addition, legislation contains a number of requirements regarding the procedure for performing such tasks. In addition to statutory duties, municipalities have the right to independently carry out other self-governing functions. These are usually related to issues of economy, employment, business development, and housing policy. The most significant tasks of municipalities include²⁹:

• Education and early childhood education;
• Cultural, youth, library, and sports services;
• Land use and zoning;
• Water supply, waste management, construction and maintenance of streets;
• Building supervision;
• Transport and public transport;
• Environmental services;
• Safety and emergency preparedness;
• Industrial policy and integration;
• Employment services (from January 1, 2025);
• Organization of elections and expanding resident participation in decision-making.

Municipalities may also provide services in cooperation with other, usually neighboring, municipalities.

The representative body is the Municipal Council, elected for a term of 4 years³⁰. The Council exercises general direction over the activities, administration, and finances of the municipality. It approves the municipal strategy, which defines long-term development and management goals, including:

• Promoting the wellbeing of residents;
• Organization and provision of municipal services;
• Performance of statutory duties;
• Ownership and personnel policies;
• Mechanisms for citizen participation and influence;
• Development of the living environment and sustainability of the area.

The Council also:

• Is responsible for administrative and financial management;
• Ensures the preparation, execution, and monitoring of the legality of decisions;
• Represents the interests of the municipality, unless otherwise provided for by administrative regulations;
• Represents the municipality as an employer;
• Coordinates municipal activities;
• Organizes internal control and risk management systems.

The number of council members depends on the population size and must always be an odd number. Minimum number of council members³¹:

• 13 — for a population of fewer than 5,000 people;
• 27 — from 5,001 to 20,000 people;
• 43 — from 20,001 to 50,000 people;
• 51 — from 50,001 to 100,000 people;
• 59 — from 100,001 to 250,000 people;
• 67 — from 250,001 to 500,000 people;
• 79 — over 500,000 people.

Citizens of Finland, other EU countries, as well as Iceland and Norway have the right to vote. Foreigners from other countries receive the right to vote after two years of residence in Finland. Persons who have reached the age of 18 may vote.

The executive body is the Municipal Executive Board³², formed by the Municipal Council for a term of 4 years. It is accountable to the Council and is responsible for:

• Administrative and financial management;
• Preparation, implementation, and compliance with decisions of the Council;
• Coordination of municipal activities;
• Operational management and risk control.

Its duties also include:

• Representation of the interests of the municipality;
• Personnel policy;
• Organization of internal control.

The powers of the Municipal Executive Board are specified in the Administrative Regulations approved by the Municipal Council.

The head of the Municipal Executive Board is the chairperson, who conducts political interaction necessary for fulfilling the tasks of the Council. Their duties are defined by administrative regulations. The Council may establish whether the chairperson and deputy chairpersons will work on a full-time or part-time basis. A municipality may be headed by a municipal manager (ex officio) or a mayor.

The mayor is the chairperson of the Municipal Executive Board, elected by the Council for its term of office. A person who is not a member of the Council or the Executive Board may also be elected. The municipal manager is elected by the Council for a specified term or indefinitely and works under an employment contract. A contract is concluded between them and the municipality, establishing the conditions of management.

Sámi self-government

One of the features of the political system of Finland is the presence of cultural and linguistic autonomy of the Sámi people — a small Finno-Ugric ethnic group traditionally living in northern Europe. Such autonomy is enshrined in regulatory acts, including Section 121 of the Constitution of Finland.

The form of implementing this autonomy is the Sámi Parliament of Finland, which is the representative self-government body of the Sámi people³³.

The Sámi Parliament consists of 21 members, and also includes one deputy member from each of the four municipalities in the Sámi Homeland region. Members of parliament are elected every four years. At least three representatives must be elected from each municipality³⁴. The electoral process is organized by the Election Committee, which includes in the electoral roll:

• Persons who were entitled to vote in the previous elections;
• Children of voters in the previous elections who have reached the age of 18 by the end of voting, provided they have declared in writing their self-identification as Sámi (the application is submitted by December 31 of the year preceding the election);
• Persons who independently submitted an application and were recognized by the Election Committee as entitled to vote on the basis of Sámi ethnicity.

The Sámi Parliament is non-partisan. Nomination of a candidate requires the support of at least three Sámi voters with active voting rights no later than 31 days before the start of the election. The main task of this parliament is the implementation of the cultural and linguistic autonomy guaranteed by the Constitution. It is also responsible for the preservation and development of Sámi culture. Among the practical areas of activity:

• Funding early childhood education and childcare in the Sámi language;
• Support for cultural initiatives and organizations;
• Publishing educational materials in Sámi languages.

The Sámi Parliament implements individual projects funded both from the national budget and with the support of European Union funds. It also represents the interests of the Sámi people at national and international levels. International cooperation is carried out through the Sámi Parliamentary Council, which unites the Sámi parliaments of Finland, Norway, and Sweden.

The executive body is the Sámi Parliamentary Executive Board, consisting of a chairperson, two deputy chairpersons, and four members appointed from among the parliament members. It works under the auspices of the Sámi Parliament and is responsible for:

• Political leadership;
• Administrative management;
• Preparation of parliamentary sessions and implementation of adopted decisions.

Conclusion

Finland is a successful example of how, in a relatively short historical period, a stable parliamentary democracy can be built. Despite its unitary form of government, the country effectively implements the principles of local self-government and cultural autonomy. The Sámi self-government system could serve as a useful model for adaptation in Russia when addressing issues of support and development for small Indigenous peoples.

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19. Ahvenanmaan erityisasema // Ulkoministeriö (https://um.fi). [Electronic resource]. URL: https://um.fi/ahvenanmaan-erityisasema (Accessed: 20.03.2025)
20. Statens ambetverk på Åland // Ålands landskapsregering (https://www.ambetsverket.ax). [Electronic resource]. URL: https://www.ambetsverket.ax/om-statens-ambetsverk-pa-aland (Accessed: 20.03.2025)
21. Ålandsdelegationen // Ålands landskapsregering (https://www.ambetsverket.ax). [Electronic resource]. URL: https://www.ambetsverket.ax/alandsdelegationen (Accessed: 20.03.2025)
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23. Ibid.
24. Ibid.
25. Självstyrelsen, landskapsregeringen // Lagtinget (https://www.lagtinget.ax). [Electronic resource]. URL: https://www.lagtinget.ax/sjalvstyrelsen/landskapsregeringen (Accessed: 20.03.2025)
26. Regeringen // Ålands landskapsregering (https://www.regeringen.ax). February 23, 2024. [Electronic resource]. URL: https://www.regeringen.ax/regeringen (Accessed: 20.03.2025)
27. Kaupunkien ja kuntien lukumäärät ja väestötiedot // Kuntaliitto (https://www.kuntaliitto.fi). [Electronic resource]. URL: https://www.kuntaliitto.fi/kuntaliitto/tietotuotteet-ja-palvelut/kaupunkien-ja-kuntien-lukumaarat-ja-vaestotiedot (Accessed: 20.03.2025)
28. Municipalities and Local Government // Suomi.fi (https://www.suomi.fi). August 8, 2024. [Electronic resource]. URL: https://www.suomi.fi/citizen/rights-and-obligations/digital-support-and-administrative-services/guide/how-finlands-public-administration-works/municipalities-and-local-government (Accessed: 20.03.2025)
29. Kuntien tehtävät ja toiminta // Valtiovarainministeriö (https://vm.fi). [Electronic resource]. URL: https://vm.fi/kuntien-tehtavat-ja-toiminta (Accessed: 20.03.2025)
30. Kuntien itsehallinto ja päätöksenteko // Valtiovarainministeriö (https://vm.fi). [Electronic resource]. URL: https://vm.fi/kuntien-itsehallinto-ja-paatoksenteko (Accessed: 20.03.2025)
31. Laki kuntien tehtävistä ja hallinnosta // Finlex (https://www.finlex.fi). [Electronic resource]. URL: https://www.finlex.fi/fi/laki/ajantasa/2015/20150410 (Accessed: 20.03.2025)
32. Kunnan toimielimet ja johtaminen // Kuntaliitto (https://www.kuntaliitto.fi). August 14, 2024. [Electronic resource]. URL: https://www.kuntaliitto.fi/laki/kunnan-toimielimet-ja-johtaminen/kunnan-johtaminen (Accessed: 20.03.2025)
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