Finland Times

The group also decided that five other municipalities that wished to change their provinces will remain in their current ones.

Heinävesi will move from South Savonia to North Karelia. Joroinen shifts from South to North Savo. Iitti will be moving from Kymenlaakso to Päijänne Tavastia, and Isokyrö from North to South Ostrobothnia.

Despite their wishes to change to North Savonia, Savonlinna, Pieksämäki and Enonkoski will remain in South Savonia. 

Jämsä and Kuhmoinen will remain in Central Finland, although they wanted to change to Pirkanmaa.

The ministerial reform group said before taking the decisions it reviewed all the criteria in this regard. The criteria included the integrity and functionality of the province’s regions as well as conditions for holding the provinces responsible for services. Particular emphasis was placed on social and health care organisations.

The changes of province have also led to changes in electoral districts. 

Heinävesi and Joroinen will now vote as part of the Savo-Karelia electoral district, and Iitti as part of Häme.