Jussi Saramo appointed Minister of Education
He replaces Li Andersson, who announced in September that she was expecting a child.
On Thursday 17 December, the President of the Republic Sauli Niinistö appointed Member of Parliament Jussi Saramo (Left Alliance or Vasemmistoliitto in Finnish) as Minister of Education and a member of the government.
At the same time, the President released Li Andersson from the post of Minister of Education and her membership in the government.
Minister Andersson announced her pregnancy in September through her Twitter account and said that she would be taking maternity leave. She planned then to stay in office at least until the Christmas holiday.
Following the presidential session, the government plenary session made decisions on changes to the ministerial portfolios, deputising arrangements and the composition of ministerial committees and working groups. Saramo also gave his declaration of office and judicial affirmation.
Foreign and security policy
Saramo will be a member of the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy, the Ministerial Committee on Economic and EU Policy and the Ministerial Finance Committee.
Saramo will also chair the Ministerial Working Group on Competence, Education, Culture and Innovation and will be a member of the Ministerial Working Groups on Climate and Energy Policy and on Promoting Employment.
In the same session, the Government appointed Minna Kelhä to continue in her post as State Secretary.