Finance ministry launches review of regional council roles

The Finnish Ministry of Finance has appointed former MP, minister, and municipal director Kari Häkämies to assess the roles, statutory and voluntary tasks, and governance of the country’s regional councils.

Häkämies, who retired in 2024 from his post as director of the Southwest Finland Regional Council, will also examine potential overlaps between the councils’ work and municipal responsibilities, evaluate legislative development needs, and propose alternative future arrangements for their functions.

The review, running from 1 August to 30 November 2026, follows municipal upheaval and changes in state regional administration, according to the ministry’s decision.

Markus Hirvonen, director of the North Karelia Regional Council, said the announcement came as a surprise. “It’s always good to clarify these matters, but I’m puzzled that such a review is launched in the middle of summer with no prior notice. These should be done in broad cooperation with all stakeholders,” he said.