President, parties’ leaders discuss NATO issues

President Sauli Niinistö on Thursday met with the chairs of parties elected to Parliament at his official residence Mäntyniemi and discussed decision-making in foreign and security policy issues, the progress of the NATO membership process, and other current foreign policy issues, said the President Office in a press release.

In particular, the post-election period with a caretaker government was discussed, since, in the current circumstances, there may be a need for rapid decision-making.

The contribution of the Parliament, at least through its committees, may be needed in this respect.

The appointment of key committees, immediately after the general election, must take account of the fact that committee members play a decisive role in forming parliamentary positions, the meeting observed.

The meeting also discussed the Parliament's preparedness to meet during the electoral recess. Finally, the President gave an update on the state of play of the NATO membership process and reported on recent close contacts

The meeting was attended by Chair of the Suomen Sosialidemokraattinen Puolue (Social Democratic Party of Finland-SDP) and Prime Minister Sanna Marin, Chair of Suomen Keskusta (Centre Party of Finland) and Finance Minister Annika Saarikko, Chair of Vihreä Liitto (Green League) and Minister of the Environment and Climate Change Maria Ohisalo, Chair of the Vasemmistoliitto (Left Alliance) and Minister of Education Li Andersson, Chair of the Suomenruotsalainenkansanpuolue (Swedish People's Party of Finland-RKP) and Minister of Justice Anna-Maja Henriksson, Chair of the main opposition Perussuomalaiset (Finns Party) Riikka Purra, Chair of the Kansallinen Kokoomus (National Coalition Party-NCP) Petteri Orpo, Chair of the SuomenKristillisdemokraati (Christian Democratic Party) Sari Essayah and Chair of the Liike Nyt (Movement Now) Harry Harkimo.