The Finnish Politico-Administrative System

The chapter provides an introduction to Finnish public administration by examining the country's politico-administrative system and the main institutions forming the division of power in Finland. The focus is primarily on the government's role as both a political institution and an administrative apparatus. The chapter discusses the government's definition, trends and traditions, as well as associated risks for government reforms and administrative traditions. The Government programme is also examined as the most important political document for mid-term development plans in Finnish public administration. Finally, the chapter looks at civil service ethics as an essential grassroots-level instrument for supporting the viability of the politico-administrative system.