On Wednesday afternoon the government presents its long-debated plan to overhaul the nation's social and healthcare system to Parliament.
Prime Minister Juha Sipilä is to explain the details of the so-called "sote" reform, which was first announced on November 9. The plan calls for setting up 15 so-called autonomous regions that would be responsible for providing health and social services. This is aimed at streamlining and centralising services in order to rein in costs, which have been rising at an estimated 2.4 percent annually.
The proceedings are classified as a prime minister's announcement, which is intended to raise a subject for debate in Parliament, but not to make any immediate decisions. The five opposition parties have demanded both a prime minister's announcement and an independent study by an expert panel on the long-debated, sweeping reforms.
Rail reductions also on agenda
The premier's speech will be preceded by an interpellation over the effects of the government's transport policies on citizens and on regional accessibility. Opposition MPs on Tuesday attacked Transport Minister Anne Berner over plans to cut back on train services in various parts of the country.
Yle will broadcast the proceedings live beginning at 2 pm on Yle Areena and on TV1.
As a result, the daily 3.05 pm Yle News TV broadcast will be pre-empted. Radio news will be broadcast as usual at 3.30 pm on Yle Mondo and 3.55 pm on Yle Radio 1.