Mikko Savola takes over as Defence Minister

Mikko Savola, lawmaker of the Suomen Keskusta (Centre Party), the second largest component of the five-party alliance government on Thursday took over as the Minister of Defence.

Savola replaced his party colleague Antti Kaikkonen, who is going on paternity leave during January and February.

Earlier, the Keskusta unanimously selected Savola to replace Kaikkonen as Defence.Minister.

The President on Thursday appointed Savola to serve as the new Minister of Defence, said a government press release.

The President also released Kaikkonen from his duties as Minister of Defence and as a member of the government.

Following the presidential session, the government plenary session made decisions on changes to the ministerial portfolios, deputising arrangements and the composition of the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy.

At the beginning of the session, Minister Savola also took his oath of office and judicial oath, the press release added.