Finland was established as a constitutional democracy one hundred years ago.
To celebrate this, Wednesday 17 July has been designated as a national flag day.
The Parliament of Finland adopted the Constitution Act of Finland in June 1919, and it was confirmed by the Regent of Finland Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim on July 17, 1919.
The Constitution Act, together with the Parliament Act, Election Act and Municipal Election Act adopted earlier, laid the foundation for Finland’s democracy. The Constitution Act was in force until the new Constitution of Finland was adopted in 2000.
Our form of government has guided the work to build Finland into a modern rule of law state. The Constitution protects the fundamental rights of citizens, including the freedom of speech, freedom of religion and freedom of assembly.
The 100th anniversary of constitutional democracy is the last in the chain of years celebrating Finland’s path to independence and building of our democratic society and nation.
SuomiAreena, a public debate forum arranged in the coastal city of Pori, located about 240 kilometers from Helsinki, will host events related to the celebration and more. Many Finnish politicians and artists will attend discussions ranging from politics to society, culture and sports. SuomiAreena takes place July 15-19.
Most of the official celebrations related to the 100th anniversary of Finland’s constitutional will take place in September.
On Tuesday, September 10, the anniversary will be celebrated at the Parliament, and on certain days during the same week the Presidential Palace, Parliament Building, Government Palace and House of the Estates will have an open house.
In September the National Archives and National Museum will also have special exhibitions and programs relating to constitutional democracy.
