SPEECH BY PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC MARTTI AHTISAARI AT THE CEREMONIAL CLOSING OF
PARLIAMENT AT THE END OF ITS
1995-1999 TERM ON 16.3.1999

Like the three that preceded it, the Parliament now concluding its work has been able to give its confidence to a Government that has sat for the full term. That has facilitated systematic work both in legislation and in decision-making concerning state finances.

Finland fell into a difficult recession during the present decade, but was gradually able to return to a path of stable recovery. Our international position has decisively changed. In this, the Parliament now concluding its work has been a bearer of responsibility with a good capacity to cooperate.

One of the central legislative projects during the past term was related to our constitutional reform, deliberation of which will be a matter for the incoming Parliament.

The past four years were the first full parliamentary term for the duration of which Finland was a member of the European Union. The early stage of membership is over. Adjustment to collective European decision-making and exercising influence through it have gone well on the part of all branches of government.

This Parliament will also be remembered for having decided that Finland would enter the third stage of Economic and Monetary Union. In other respects, too, Parliament participated significantly in national-level deliberation and decision-making concerning policy on the European Union.

Like Finnish society in general, Parliament has advanced into an era of more demanding internationalisation. In particular, adjustment to EU decision-making is a major challenge. It is not an esoteric science with a small circle of practitioners, but rather a very practical way of improving the wellbeing of the Finns in European cooperation.

It is essential that the European Union and its institutions enjoy the complete trust of their citizens.

The international environment in which we operate is in constant flux. Change has at times been so rapid that it has tested the limits of the ability of many segments of the population to adapt to it. However, rapid growth in exports of advanced technology products has made possible the present economic growth, which an upswing in domestic demand is now supporting.

Russia is in a deep crisis and coping with it will require many painful decisions on the part of the Russians themselves. The country will also need outside support when it begins implementing reforms. The development of the Russian Federation into a functioning state will take time, and it is not without risks.

The Baltic States have made rapid progress on their way to meeting the criteria for membership of the European Union. It has given us satisfaction to note that Russia has indicated a willingness to resolve open questions concerning her border with Estonia.

Our country’s internal security is being built to a growing degree also with the help of international cooperation. The extraordinary European Union summit in Tampere next autumn will concentrate on just these questions. It must, however, be remembered that the most important factor in security, a healthy foundation under our society, is the result of decisions made here in our own country.

The nature of crime has changed in the present decade. Violent offences are being committed more and more often by young people, who are themselves being excluded from society. Besides that, an increasing proportion of crimes against property are committed in order to obtain money for a daily dose of drugs.

Tighter control and stiffer penalties are often proposed as the solution to these problems. However, if the matter were to remain only at that, it would amount to no more than treating symptoms. The causes themselves must be tackled. A prison is not a place where the problems of young people are primarily solved. The position of those under threat of exclusion must be improved through concrete measures. Open care for persons addicted to drugs and rehabilitation to restore them to a place in society must be made considerably more effective.

The work that has been done in this decade to improve the state of the economy and public finances has not been an end in itself, nor must it be. Its purpose has been to safeguard and consolidate the prosperity of the Finns. The people who suffered most from recession are those who lost their job or company. Now that we have entered a phase of steady growth, we must take care that the fruits of labour are shared fairly between different regions and people. Everyone in the country who is of working age and capable of doing a job must be employed. There can be no receding from this goal.

Recent years have been a period of demanding adjustment for agriculture and rural areas. Unfortunately, prospects for the foodstuffs industry have weakened. It is important that the Government is committed to providing agriculture with full compensation for the cuts that will be made under Agenda 2000. I attach great value to the fact that a national consensus in favour of safeguarding the future of agriculture and a living countryside has strengthened.

Cooperation and a sense of common responsibility have been a strength of the Finnish people in difficult times. Therefore it is a cause of concern that now, when times are good, selfishness and disregard for others seem to have increased. One of the most important characteristics of a society enjoying long-term success is that it takes care of less-fortunate people and regions that are developing more slowly. Companies that look after all of their employees are likewise those that ultimately achieve the greatest success.

In the general election that takes place in a few days’ time the voters will be deciding who to send to Parliament to represent them for the coming term. One of the central hallmarks of a functioning democracy is a high turnout at the polls. For some, abstaining from voting is a conscious protest. However, it is a fruitless and ineffectual way of protesting.

Recent polls have found that people are suspicious of political decision-making and in some cases even reject it. Unless citizens feel they can have an input into the management of collective affairs, dissatisfaction could eventually poison the atmosphere in society and erupt through other channels. Trust must be restored. It must be shown that society can be changed and wellbeing enhanced the democratic way, as we have managed to do throughout the period that we have been an independent state.

Citizens must be able to know what kinds of alternatives they can choose from. A discourse on values is a precondition for a functioning democracy. Now it is up to the parties and candidates conducting their election campaigns to present alternatives.

I thank Parliament for the work it has done for the nation and declare this term concluded.