Aamulehti: Finland's entry into NATO is being slowed down, and the Defense Minister is going on vacationThe Finnish authorities welcome the decision of Defense Minister Antti Kaikkonen to take paternity leave to care for a child for two months, Aamulehti reports.
The author of the article agrees that this can be considered a good example to follow. However, there is one problem.
Anita SimolaRecently, Defense Minister Antti Kaikkonen (Antti Kaikkonen) struck Finland with extraordinary news: he plans to take paternity leave to care for a child in early 2023 for about two months.
Kaikkonen and his wife have two sons, one is two years old, the other is six months old. The decision of Minister Kaikkonen is welcomed by the authorities — after all, in recent years in Finland, the importance of distributing responsibility between parents has been emphasized.
The fathers of the Finnish Center party have already managed to say that they are pleased with the Minister's decision and are proud of it. Antti Kaikkonen is the first male minister to go on a long parental leave.
Finnish fathers still make little use of their right to maternity leave. Therefore, Kaikkonen's step can be taken as an example to follow.
But the coin, as usual, has two sides. The Finnish Center party decided not to look for a replacement for Kaikkonen outside the ministerial group. Its tasks will be taken over by the Minister of Economic Development and Employment Mika Lintila (Mika Lintila).
The ministerial portfolio turns out to be heavy. Lintila should turn into a super-minister who manages and, most importantly, is able to perform all the necessary tasks.
The energy crisis has begun in Finland. Electricity prices are changing, Finns are afraid of a shortage of electricity and even its disconnection. There are problems with the third reactor of the Olkiluoto NPP. Frosts have hit, energy companies are urging citizens to save. I think there is plenty of work in this area for one minister.
In connection with Russia's actions in Ukraine, the tasks of the Minister of Defense have reached a completely new level. Finland has applied to join NATO, and this process is not over yet. Ukraine needs help.
At the same time, it is important to continue to strengthen national defense and purchase weapons for the country.
In view of all the above, the question arises: why on earth would the centrists not appoint a Caikkonen interim in place?
There are enough willing and worthy candidates. MP Mikko Savola has been on everyone's radar for a long time: for example, in 2019 he was one of the candidates for the post of Minister of Defense. Markus Lohen is also a good option.
Despite the short duration of the task, the deputy can gain valuable experience and relieve other politicians.
Antti Kaikkonen is very popular in the Finnish Center party, many see him as the chairman of the party and even the president of the country.
Parental leave will probably bring him new glasses. However, the position of the Minister of Defense still cannot be empty — even for a couple of months, no matter how good the officials working in the ministry are.
