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Government presented main points of its programme of reform

Government Communications Department
Publication date 31.8.2015 20.13
Press release 444/2015

On Monday 31 August, the Government decided on the schedule, measures and funding of its key projects. The Government of Prime Minister Juha Sipilä wants to promote change and renewals in five priority areas: employment and competitiveness; knowledge and education; wellbeing and health; bioeconomy and clean solutions; and organisational policies (digitalisation, experiments, deregulation). In addition, the Government will implement the pension reform, the social welfare and health care reform, the reform reducing municipalities' duties and obligations, and the reform of regional and central government.

During the government term, the Government will allocate a total of EUR 1.6 billion to fund its programme of reform, 1 billion of which is directed to the key projects in 2016-18. Funding will be targeted to priority areas as follows:

  • Employment and competitiveness EUR 170 million 
  • Knowledge and education EUR 300 million
  • Wellbeing and health EUR 130 million 
  • Bioeconomy and clean solutions EUR 300 million
  • Digitalisation, experiments, deregulation EUR 100 million.

According to Prime Minister Sipilä, it is essential to restart the economy. "We need to succeed in the resumption of economic growth as soon as possible and turn the growth of general government debt.  They are both demanding objectives", Prime Minister Sipilä said.

The programme of reform will be carried out through key projects and structural reforms that make part of the Government Action Plan. The key projects and reforms, the draft budget for 2016 and measures geared to improve competitiveness - to be implemented in place of the thwarted social  contract - will make up a whole. All of them will be presented to Parliament by the end of September, soon after the Government's budget session (9 and 10 September).

Responsible ministers have been appointed for the key projects and ministerial working groups for the priority areas. The Government will ensure the implementation of the key projects by monitoring them actively in its strategy sessions. Effectiveness of the key projects will be monitored by using specific indicators.

Prime Minister Sipilä's presentation in the press conference (in Finnish)

Inquiries: Riina Nevamäki, Special Adviser to the Prime Minister (Political Affairs), tel. +358 40 705 2593 and Sirpa Kekkonen, Counsellor, tel. +358 295 160 181, Prime Minister's Office

Juha Sipilä