Lindén takes over as Family Affairs, Social Services Minister

Suomen Sosialidemokraattinen Puolue (Social Democratic Party of Finland-SDP) lawmaker Aki Lindén has been appointed as the Minister of Family Affairs and Social Services on Friday as minister Krista Kiuru decided to go for family leave.

President Sauli Niinistö appointed Lindén, Licentiate of Medicine and Master of Social Sciences, to serve as the minister and as a member of the government, said an official press release.

On the same occasion, the President released Kiuru from her duties as minister and as a member of the cabinet.

Following the presidential session, the government plenary session made decisions on changes to the ministers’ portfolios, the composition of ministerial working groups, and deputising arrangements.

Lindén also gave his declaration of office and judicial affirmation.

Lindén will chair the Ministerial Working Group on COVID-19 and the Ministerial Working Group on Health and Social Services, except in those areas assigned to Minister of Local Government Sirpa Paatero.

Lindén will also serve as a member of the Ministerial Working Group on Child and Youth Policy and the Ministerial Working Group on Social Security Reform.

The outgoing minister Kiuru became recognized as an advocate of stricter restrictions against the backdrop of worsening coronavirus situations where other ministers supported less severe measures and lifting the restrictions gradually.