Honkonen made new Minister of Science and Culture

Suomen Keskusta (Centre Party) lawmaker Petri Honkonen took over as the Minister of Science and Culture on Friday, said a government press release.

The Keskusta, second largest component of the five-party alliance government brought changes to its ministerial body following resignation of Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Jari Leppä.

Minister of Science and Culture Antti Kurvinen took over as the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry to replace Leppä.

The President appointed Kurvinen and Honkonen to the new posts and relieved Jari Leppä from his duties as a member of the Government and from his post as Minister.

Earlier, Jari Leppä decided to resign from his ministerial post and intended to retire from public office at the end of tenure of the present government.