Finland celebrates 100 years of democracy with events and open houses

Finland is one more celebrating. This year, the country commemorates the centenary of its constitutional democracy. And to make it a party, he has scheduled numerous events and open days.

The Constitution Act adopted in 1919 laid the foundation for democracy in Finland, and is a key element of the early stages of our independence. The 100th anniversary has been celebrated in various ways during the year, but the festivities will now culminate in mid-September.

The Finnish Government explained in a release that the Constitution Act adopted 100 years ago, together with the Parliament Act, Election Act and Municipal Election Act adopted earlier, have guided the work to build Finland into a modern rule of law state. During the second week of September, the anniversary will be celebrated with various kinds of events and open houses at government buildings.

Celebrations at Parliament

The event to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Finland's constitutional democracy will be held at the Plenary Hall of the Parliament Building on Tuesday 10 September 2019 at 12.00. Speakers at the event are the President of the Republic Sauli Niinistö, Speaker of Parliament Matti Vanhanen and Prime Minister Antti Rinne. The event will be broadcast on TV by Yle.

Open houses

The centenary will be celebrated also by open houses at the Presidential Palace, Parliament Building, Government Palace and House of the Estates on 12–14 September 2019.

The public may visit the main government buildings as follows:

• Presidential Palace Thursday–Saturday 12–14 September at 10.00–15.00. Completed in 1820, it houses the Office of the President of the Republic and the premises used by the President for official functions and receptions. More information about the open house at the Presidential palace HERE
• Parliament Building Friday 13 September at 14.00–19.00. The public may visit the building and learn about Parliaments work at their own pace, guided by the staff. The building is fully accessible. Visitors will have a chance to meet MPs and hear about their work. More information about this open house at the Parliament HERE
• Government Palace and House of the Estates on Saturday 14 September at 10–15. Built in 1888–1890, now serves as the venue for meetings, official functions and festivities of the Government and its ministries.

Prime Minister Antti Rinne will also be present at the Government Palace for part of the day to meet the public, the Government announced.

On Saturday 14 coffee will be served at an open day event at Helsinki Market Square at 10–15. While drinking your coffee, you can enjoy musical performances and listen to speeches and discussions relating to the 100th anniversary theme. The speakers and panelists include historians, members of the parliament and ministers.

Other anniversary events

Tuesday 10 September:

The opening of the 100th Anniversary of Finland’s Constitutional Democracy exhibition at the National Archives, presenting the evolvement of the nation and of the institution of the Presidency of the Republic with documents, objects and photographs. On Friday 13 and Saturday 14 September, Professor Emeritus Timo Soikkanen and Professor Vesa Vares who put the exhibition together will be present to tell about their work. On both these days, the exhibition will be open at 9.00–16.00.

Friday 13 September:

100th Anniversary of Finland’s Constitutional Democracy Jubilee Seminar at the House of the Estates at 9.30–12.00. The seminar will be broadcast live at vn.fi/live. Constitution Day for Pupils at the House of the Estates at 12.45–15.30. More than 250 ninth graders from different parts of Finland will participate in the educational programme.

Sunday 15 September:

During the Day to Celebrate the President of the Republic at the National Museum of Finland at 10.00–18.00. During the morning there will a guided walking tours following the footsteps of the presidents. The tours start at Tokoinranta, Senate Square, House of Nobility or Tavastia, and end at the National Museum. In the afternoon there will be brief presentations by experts at the Auditorium at 13.00–17.00. The number of participants in the walking tours is limited, so please register in advance.