The Finnish Parliament has once again begun debating a long-delayed law on the composition and powers of the Sámi Parliament, the decision-making body representing the country’s indigenous people. The bill, which the indigenous Sámi people see as crucial to their right of self-determination, has been debated repeatedly, over four legislative terms.
The previous government, led by Prime Minister Sanna Marin (SDP), tried to push the law through last year, but it was blocked in the Constitutional Committee by one of its own coalition partners, the Centre Party.
With the Centre now in opposition and most other parties supporting the proposed changes, the bill is seen as having a better chance of passage during this legislative term.
Parliament began debate on the bill on Wednesday afternoon after it was presented by Minister of Justice Leena Meri (Finns). The proposal is similar to the one put forward last year, with minor refinements and consultation with the Sámi Parliament.
“We have confidence in Finnish society's ability to finally resolve the reform of the Sámi Parliament Act, because the Finnish Parliament now has an exceptionally good starting point for the proceedings,” Pirita Näkkäläjärvi, President of the Sámi Parliament in Finland, said in a press release. Sámi people live mainly in northern parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia.
Last year, the debate about the legislative reform focused on who was allowed to run for seats in the Sámi Parliament, and to vote in such elections.
Last week, opponents of the reform demonstrated in Helsinki. Most of them were people who arrived by bus from Northern Lapland and said they feared that the change would deny them the right to vote in Sámi Parliament elections.
Language-based inclusion as in Sweden and Norway
Under the latest proposal, the criteria for inclusion in the electoral roll would correspond to the language-based prerequisites adopted in Sweden and Norway.
An independent board is to be set up to consider appeals in matters concerning the electoral roll, rather than this being handled by the board of Sámi Parliament itself.
Election schedules and procedures are to be improved so as to facilitate voting in Sámi Parliament elections.
If the Finnish Parliament approves the revised law, it will enter into force in July.
Users with an Yle ID can leave comments on our news stories. You can create your Yle ID via this link. Our guidelines on commenting and moderation are explained here.