Kiviniemi Pushes Settlement of Government Agenda
Prime Minister-designate Mari Kiviniemi at the start of government talks Saturday.
Image: YLE
The new government headed by Prime Minister-designate Mari Kiviniemi has settled its policy framework. The government met Saturday for discussions, and declared that it would continue the agenda set by Kiviniemi’s predecessor, Matti Vanhanen.
The government says it will sidestep any major policy changes at this point, including proposals for fundamental reforms to taxation policy. It adds that its primary objective is to encourage economic growth in Finland, while a long term plan will be developed to help stabilise faltering public finances.
Prime Minister-in-waiting Mari Kiviniemi said that her administration intends to focus on growth, employment and long term careers.
”Everyone in Finland must pull through this recession intact,” Kiviniemi declared.
The new PM said that her cabinet will also ensure that state coffers can support the country for the next few years, and she pledged strong debt management measures. A financial stabilisation plan that will last through the next two government terms is being set out to accomplish these goals.
The Kiviniemi administration will begin shoring up public finances this year with a program of tax increases that will affect Value Added Tax, energy tariffs and duties on soft drinks.
The existing government partners, the Centre Party, the National Coalition Party, the Green League and the Swedish Peoples Party will continue in support of the new PM. The parties will seal their commitment to the government programme early next week, and Kiviniemi will name her new cabinet on Tuesday.
Also on Tuesday, the Centre Party, of which Kiviniemi is now chair, will propose a candidate to replace her as Minister for Administration and Local Government.
YLE