Sakari Puisto appointed to serve as Minister of Economic Affairs, Mika Poutala as Minister of Youth, Sport and Physical Activity

On 13 June, the President of the Republic appointed Member of Parliament, PhD Sakari Puisto to serve as Minister of Economic Affairs and as a member of the Government, and Member of Parliament, entrepreneur and Olympic athlete Mika Poutala as Minister of Youth, Sport and Physical Activity and as a member of the Government.

At the same time, the President released Member of Parliament, Master of Social Sciences Sandra Bergqvist from her duties as Minister of Youth, Sport and Physical Activity and as a member of the Government, and Member of Parliament, Master of Social Sciences Wille Rydman from his duties as Minister of Economic Affairs and as a member of the Government. These changes were agreed upon during the government formation process.

New ministers’ goals include boosting economic growth and reaching young people

“My work as minister will focus on boosting growth and creating good conditions for growth. We need to expand the field of business financing, whether it be ordinary financing for SMEs, risk financing for growth companies or financing for agriculture. There is a great deal of potential in our export sectors. Another important priority for me is making sure that Finland’s technology and innovation policy responds to the challenges of our times,” says Minister of Economic Affairs Sakari Puisto.

“Sedentary lifestyles and a lack of future prospects experienced by young people are major challenges today, and my sector offers solutions. Above all, I want to be a minister who listens to people and meets them where they are. I want to hear what makes Finns feel good and what inspires them to get moving. I have set a concrete goal of meeting with 50,000 young people during my term,” says Minister of Youth, Sport and Physical Activity Mika Poutala.

Ministers Puisto and Poutala took their oaths of office and judicial oaths at the start of the government session.

The division of duties between the ministers will remain unchanged. Marjo Lindgren will continue to serve as State Secretary to the Minister of Economic Affairs and the Minister of Transport and Communications. Päivi Nerg will serve as State Secretary to the Minister of Youth, Sport and Physical Activity and will also continue as State Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry.

Inquiries: Jyri Rantala, Deputy Director of Government Communications, tel. +358 29 516 0622 and Tuulia Nieminen, Senior Communications Specialist, tel. +358 50 575 1956, Prime Minister’s Office.

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