Finland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs has rejected the idea of setting up the position of Security Policy Advisor under the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), arguing it would blur the division of responsibilities between the Office and Ministries responsible for security policy.
The Ministry said the position could also create uncertainty about a partial transfer of power from the Ministries to the Office of the Prime Minister.
The OPM floated the idea two weeks ago, saying the advisor and the special unit they would head would strengthen the capabilities of the Office to assist the Prime Minister in security policy issues falling within the PM’s purview, as required by the looming membership in NATO.
While the Ministry did not deny the Prime Minister needed more support on security policy issues, it estimated that the support provided by Special Advisors should continue to suffice and setting up the additional position could disproportionately elevate security policy in terms of assisting the Prime Minister.
It said the position should not be established until the next Government had the opportunity to comment on it and until Finland had acceded to NATO.
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Pekka Haavisto (pictured) supported his officials, saying he had reservations about the idea of the outgoing Government setting up and filling the position.
Finns go to the polls on 2 April.
Helsinki, 28 January 2023
