New Minister's Handbook published

The Prime Minister's Office has published a revised Minister's Handbook, which provides a comprehensive package of information on the Finnish Government. Primarily intended as a source of support and practical help to the incoming Government's ministers and their aides and advisers, the Handbook also provides useful insight to anyone interested in the workings of the Government.

Containing information on the organisation and work of the Government, the Minister’s Handbook describes the role of ministers as members of the Government, how they contribute to the preparation of matters, how they participate in decision-making and in parliamentary work, and what their ministerial responsibilities are.

The Handbook gives a detailed description of the key processes involved in advancing the work of the Government and describes the ways in which the Government and Parliament work together. The role of ministers in European Union affairs and in Finland’s other international relations is also explained in detail. In addition, the Handbook provides information on the employment relationship, support services and security arrangements for the ministers, and on the work of state secretaries and special advisers appointed for the minister’s term of office.

The previous Minister’s Handbook was published in 2019. This Handbook is an updated and enhanced version, which takes into account changes in legislation and drafting practices since the previous publication. 

For example, the section describing preparedness and management of incidents and crises has been updated. The Handbook also includes a new section on international security and defence cooperation. Special attention has been paid to the rule of law, good governance, anti-corruption measures and the public-service ethical standards. The Handbook also contains information on the Whistleblower Act and the Transparency Register Act, which have been enacted since the publication of the previous edition.

Inquiries: Timo Lankinen, Permanent State Under-Secretary, tel. +358 295 160 300 and Päivi Pietarinen, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Legislative Affairs, +358 295 160 354, Prime Minister's Office.