PM Vanhanen Submits Resignation
Prime Minister Vanhanen in his official car after submitting is resignation to President Halonen.
Image: Jarkko Juselius/YLE
Outgoing Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen submitted his resignation to President Tarja Halonen at the Presidential Palace in Helsinki at 11:30 Friday morning. President Halonen accepted the resignation.
The President asked the current government ministers to remain as a caretaker government until a new one is appointed. No major changes are in store in the composition of the government.
Timo Kalli, the chair of the Centre Party’s parliamentary group, is holding a meeting of party chairs and parliamentary group leaders.
On Saturday, leaders are to discuss revisions to the government programme under the leadership of incoming prime minister, Centre Party Chair Mari Kiviniemi.
Next Tuesday, President Halonen is to present Kiviniemi as the premier candidate to the parliament. Parliament will then meet for a plenary session to approve the next prime minister. Halonen is to then accept the resignation of Vanhanen’s government and announce the new premier’s government.
YLE