The Ombudsman and the Deputy-Ombudsmen

Together with the two Deputy-Ombudsmen, the Ombudsman is responsible for the oversight of legality. The Deputy-Ombudsmen have the same powers as the Ombudsman and decide on their respective cases autonomously.

The constitution requires the Ombudsman and the Deputy-Ombudsmen to have outstanding knowledge of the law.

Selected by the Eduskunta

The Eduskunta chooses the Ombudsman and the Deputy-Ombudsmen for four-year terms.

Before the selection is made, the Constitutional Law Committee assesses the candidates for the post and the selection itself is made by a secret ballot at a plenary session of the parliament. Both the Ombudsman and the Deputy-Ombudsmen can be selected for reappointment at the end of their terms.

A term does not coincide with the parliamentary term.

A substitute for a Deputy-Ombudsman

The Ombudsman Act was amended in 2007 in order to enable a substitute for a Deputy-Ombudsman to be appointed.

The Ombudsman can invite a substitute to perform the duties of a Deputy-Ombudsman if the latter is prevented from attending to them. The term of office of the person chosen as a substitute for a Deputy-Ombudsman is maximally four years. The Ombudsman consults the Constitutional Law Committee before choosing the substitute. The current substitute is Mr Jari Råman, Doctor of Laws.