Kansanvalta.fi

Public discussion events give groups such as municipal residents an excellent chance to voice their concerns to decision-makers who in turn receive direct information about local people’s sentiments. An open flow of information constitutes good government and good democracy.

Citizens are free to organise unofficial discussion events on issues concerning them.  Summaries of such events can be submitted to decision-makers, and politicians and government representatives can also be invited to attend these events. 

Details about more official information and discussion events arranged by government can usually be found in local media and municipal and ministerial websites. 

A successful discussion event relays public sentiments to government and provides decision-makers with a chance to correct any misunderstandings. At the same time decision-makers must remember that the opinions of the loudest citizens do not necessarily represent the majority opinion.

Question hours are a way of exchanging information between government and citizens.  For example, in the City of Vaasa question hours have addressed regional issues.

Updated on October 12, 2006