Finland: Social Democratic Party names new prime minister December 8 /update 1

Event

On Sunday, December 8, the Social Democratic Party of Finland named Minister of Transport and Communications Sanna Marin as prime minister. Marin will take over for Antti Rinne, who resigned earlier this week after losing the support of the Centre Party over his handling of a two-week strike of the country's state-owned postal service in November. Marin will become the country's youngest ever prime minister.

Context

Prime Minister Antti Rinne formally resigned on Tuesday, December 3. The Post and Logistics Union (PAU) launched a strike on November 11 after negotiations broke down with Posti on a new collective bargaining agreement. Multiple employee unions in Finland consequently announced measures to support some 9000 postal workers who had been on strike.

Advice

Individuals in Finland are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests and demonstrations, prepare for transportation disruptions around protest sites, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.