Parliament of Finland

Parliament of Finland

The Parliament of Finland is the main group that makes laws for the country Finland. It has 200 members who are chosen by people who vote every four years. One of these members is from the islands of Åland.

The Parliament works to make new laws, decide about money, and check on the government's work. Members often work in teams that match different political parties. Because it is hard for one team to have most of the votes, the government usually needs to be a team of two or more big parties.

The most recent election happened on April 2, 2023. After the election, a new government was formed by the National Coalition, Finns, Swedish People's parties and the Christian Democrats. The Parliament meets in a special building called the Parliament House in central Helsinki.

The Parliament of Finland started on May 9, 1906. It began as the Diet of Finland and became a single-chamber Parliament in 1906 while Finland was still ruled by the Russian Tsar. At that time, Finland became one of the first countries to let everyone, including women and landless people, vote and run for office.

The Parliament meets once a year, usually starting in February. It has two parts: one from January to June and another from September to December. At the start of each meeting, leaders and guests go to a special service at Helsinki Cathedral before going to the Parliament House.