Kimmo Kiviranta
As the Finnish capital, Helsinki is the centre of government and the home of the ministries and state administration.
The Finnish president is elected by direct ballot for a six-year term. Overlooking the Market Square in the very heart of the city is the Presidential Palace, formerly the official residence of the President of the Republic. The President now lives a few kilometres outside the city, at the new official residence called M.ntyniemi completed in 1993.

Harald Raebiger
The highest authority in Finland is vested in the unicameral Parliament, which has 200 Members elected for a four-year term. All Finnish citizens aged 18 or more are entitled to vote and to stand for Parliament. About one-third of the MPs are women. The Prime Minister is elected by Parliament, and the President appoints the Government on the proposal of the elected Prime Minister. The Government must enjoy the support of the majority in Parliament.

Matti Tirri