1.5 Division and interlinkage of the political and the administrative system

As in other parliamentary systems the three-way division of powers generally determines the divisions and interlinkages of the political and the administrative system of Finland. Still hardly anywhere in the world the exercise of power has been divided perfectly according to the ideal. In Finland, for instance, Parliament holds the legislative powers but also the Government, an executive body in principle, can be delegated legislative authority.

In principle it could be supposed, that state administration only carries out tasks it has been assigned by the political authorities. In practice the relationship between the administrative and the political system is more complicated than simple and formal relation of subordination assuming the neutrality of the administration. In addition to their basic functions, the representatives of administration take extensively part in the preparation of the political decisions. In political system of Finland the role of parliament has strengthened especially in consequence of the constitutional changes. On the other hand, the managerial reforms of public administration from the end of the 1980s onward and in some respect also Finland's membership in European Union have increased power of officials at the expense of political, also the Parliament's, exercise of power.

The municipalities have a dual function being basic regional administrative units of the country and, additionally, basic units of the self-government of the citizens. The municipal system provides an important arena for political participation and it is important part of Finnish democracy. On the other hand the municipalities play a central role in society through organising most of the welfare services. In general it can be stated that the responsibility for providing services has devolved from the centre to municipal governments while regulation making power has tended to move back to the centre. Municipalities, with limited regulatory power, can make only decisions that are consistent with laws passed by Parliament. Their powers relate largely to public service delivery and physical planning.