Finland Times

 

Alexander Stubb introduced the his manifesto in the race of party president at a press conference in Helsinki on Tuesday. Photo Lehtikuva.

European Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Alexander Stubb, who is also aspiring to take over the leadership of the ruling Kansallinen Kokoomus (National Coalition Party), would reduce the number of ministers from the current 19 to 16, if he is elected prime minister following the Kokoomus council next month.

 

Introducing his manifesto in the race for the party chair at a press conference in Helsinki on Tuesday, he said each ministry would be led by a single minister and their designated assistants would be referred to as deputy ministers or secretaries of state.

 

Currently, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has three ministers. The model which encompasses having many ministers in one docket leads to dismal management, according to Stubb.

 

Stubb would also reduce the Government Programme to around 5-10 pages, which will present strategic policies. Each year a detailed programme of work will be drawn up.

 

The minister affirmed that he is not leading voters astray by participating in European Parliament elections as well taking part in the race to become the next Kokoomus leader.

 

“The Finnish electorate is so much clever and knows where we are heading for,” observed Stubb.

 

Stubb was recently elected to the European Parliament.

 

Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen on April 5 announced his decision to step down as the National Coalition Party chairman as well as the prime minister.

 

The party is scheduled to elect its new chairperson in June at a convention in Lahti.