Navigate Up
(No languageversions)       Print |  pdf

History

1865–1873: First local elections, which lay the foundation for local government, that is, the Finnish municipal system.  Separate laws on rural municipalities and towns.  Local authorities gain the right to levy taxes.
  • 1917–1919 Upon Finland’s independence, new legislation pertaining to municipal administration.  All municipalities must hold local elections to elect a municipal council. A provision on local self-government added to the Finnish Constitution.
  • 1925 Municipal division becomes independent of parishes and other regional divisions. 
  • 1932 Provisions on intermunicipal co-operative organisations and joint municipal authorities added to municipal legislation. 
  • 1949 New Local Government Act.  Provisions on towns and rural municipalities are brought together under one act. The system of a municipal manager is adopted by all local authorities. 
  • 1970 Organisation of local authority employers established.  Labour market negotiations are centralised. 
  • 1977 New, uniform Local Government Act.  The distinction between rural municipalities and other local authorities abandoned.  The position of elected representatives is consolidated and their working conditions improved. Planning of operations becomes obligatory. 
  • 1989 Free Municipality Experiment launched.  Local autonomy increased. 
  • 1993 State subsidy system is reformed. The system of cost-based state grants earmarked for a specified purpose is replaced by transfers calculated based on the figures for local authorities, residents and functions.
    Provisions on intermunicipal co-operation are reformed. Local authorities are now more at liberty to organise co-operation by entering into intermunicipal agreements. 
  • 1995 New, enabling Local Government Act. The new act recognises diversity among local authorities. It affords local authorities leeway and flexibility to organise their functions and administration. ​
Recommend
 | 
0 recommendations
Content verified: