Minister of Education returns from maternity leave, new Minister of Health

On Thursday there were several changes in the Government of Finland.

The leader of the Left Alliance (Vasemmistoliitto, in Finnish), Li Andersson, returned to her post as Minister of Education after her maternity leave. She has resumed her duties in the position that was temporarily held by Jussi Saramo, of the same party.

Hanna Sarkkinen, also a member of the Left Alliance, was appointed Minister for Social Affairs and Health. Sarkkinen, Master of Arts, will replace in the cabinet her party colleague Aino-Kaisa Pekonen, who is leaving the post as she was previously arranged.

At the beginning of this government term, the Left Alliance parliamentary group and party council decided to divide the portfolio of the Minister of Social Affairs and Health into two two-year posts. And the time for replacement has come.

Both new ministers were appointed by the President of the Republic, Sauli Niinistö, on Thursday.

Following the presidential session, the Government plenary session made decisions on changes to the ministerial portfolios, deputizing arrangements and the composition of ministerial committees and working groups.

Minister Sarkkinen also gave her declaration of office and judicial affirmation.