three welfare regions summoned by ministry ahead of state assessment

The Finnish Ministry of Finance has summoned representatives from the South Karelia, South Ostrobothnia, and Kymenlaakso welfare regions to a meeting on Friday, according to a report by Yle.

Welfare region director Tero Järvinen of South Ostrobothnia said the invitation to the Teams meeting likely signals the start of a state assessment procedure for his region.

Kymenlaakso welfare region chair Anne Heikkilä (SDP) confirmed receiving a similar invitation, stating the meeting is themed as a current affairs briefing, which she also believes relates to the assessment process.

Kymenlaakso welfare region director Harri Hagman will join Heikkilä in the meeting.

South Karelia welfare region council chair Johanna Ikävalko (Centre Party) noted that state assessment procedures involve direct state intervention in a welfare region’s financial management and influence over its services.

A decision by Minister of Local Government Anna-Kaisa Ikonen (National Coalition Party) on the assessment process is expected next Tuesday, after which the affected welfare regions will be informed. The ministry will publicly announce which regions are under assessment during Midsummer week.

Last year, the welfare regions of Eastern Uusimaa, Central Finland, and Lapland were placed under state assessment.