Finnish conservative party announces key ministerial posts

A change of leadership at the Finnish National Coalition Party, known as the conservative party, led to adjustments in the coalition government on Tuesday.

The new conservative chairman Petteri Orpo will become the new finance minister. The position was previously occupied by the conservative chairman Alexander Stubb.

Following his defeat at the party convention in June, Stubb said he would not accept any cabinet position.

The position of minister of interior will belong to Paula Risikko, 56. She is a seasoned conservative member of parliament and has held several cabinet positions

Risikko is known as a tough negotiator and a specialist in the ongoing health care reform. She has a doctorate degree in health sciences.

As current Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Lenita Toivakka chose to quit, the conservative party assigned Kai Mykkanen, 36, to take up the position.

Mykkanen was elected for the first time into parliament in May 2015. He has held various administrative positions in public service and the industries, and has degrees in politics and economics.

Besides being a specialist on Russia, Mykkanen has profiled himself as a moderate environmentalist.

The conservative party has four ministerial positions in the 14-member cabinet. Minister for Education Sanni Grahn-Laasonen retains her position.

There were no changes in other party portfolios.
Source:XINHUA