Chancellor of Justice Jaakko Jonkka announced on Wednesday that Taisto Turunen, Director General of the Energy Department of the Ministry of Employment and the Economy, is disqualified from taking part in decisions on nuclear power.

According to the decision, Turunen's impartiality was compromised since as a member of the board of directors of the Outokumpu steel company he took part in the decision to establish Fennovoima, one of the utilities approved as an applicant to construct a new nuclear plant.

In early May, the Government made two decisions-in-principle in favour of additional construction of nuclear power. Teollisuuden Voima’s application for constructing a new nuclear power plant unit, Olkiluoto 4, in Eurajoki, and Fennovoima’s application for constructing a new nuclear power plant in Simo or Pyhäjoki were both approved. Parliament is expected to vote on the permits on July 1st.

Vanhanen said Wednesday that Turunen did not influence the proposal the government has presented to Parliament.

"The proposal that the government has made to Parliament was distinctly made at the political discretion and preparation of cabinet ministers and the ministers themselves carry responsibility for it," Vanhanen told YLE.

The Prime Minister intends the proposals to stay before Parliament.

"This is absolutely my goal. I believe this is possible," stated Vanhanen.

The Prime Minister will be hearing the views of experts on the Justice Chancellor's decision. He said that he himself is ready to withdraw the nuclear power permit proposals, if it is necessary.

Vanhanen is expected to submit his resignation on Friday.