Employment Minister Satonen throws hat in ring for Kela chief post

National Coalition Party MP Arto Satonen made the announcement on Monday morning.

Photo of Arto Satonen, with dark hair, eyeglasses, a dark suit, white shirt and red patterned necktie.
Image: Jaana Polamo / Yle
  • Yle News

Employment Minister Arto Satonen (NCP) has applied for the position as director general of social benefits agency Kela.

Finnish media reported last week that Kela's current chief, Outi Antila, is retiring at the end of May.

The 58-year-old Satonen announced in a post on X on Monday morning that he had applied for the job.

"I have applied as Kela's director general. The position is interesting because Kela plays a central role in Finland's social security," his post read.

Satonen, who has been an MP since 2003, added that during his time as a member of parliament, he has focused on issues related to social security and working life.

The appointment of the director general position is based on a recommendation by Kela's board and then finally decided by a cross-party group of MPs.

Satonen, who is currently serving a two-year term as employment minister, is set to hand over the portfolio to his NCP colleague Matias Marttinen later this year.

The application period for the position concludes on 15 January. Going forward, the duration of the director general post is set for a seven-year period. Previously, there was no fixed period attached to the position.

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