Election of the Speaker and Deputy Speakers
The first plenary session held each year is chaired by the oldest Member of Parliament until the Speaker and Deputy Speakers are elected. Before taking office, the Speaker and the Deputy Speakers make the following solemn affirmation before Parliament:
"I, (name), affirm that in my office as Speaker I shall to the best of my ability defend the rights of the people of Finland and of Parliament in accordance with the Constitution."
The Speaker and Deputy Speakers elected in the last session of the electoral term continue to serve until a general election has been held.
If the Speaker or a Deputy Speaker dies or resigns, a replacement is elected immediately. If the Speaker or a Deputy Speaker is no longer capable of performing duties, the Speaker's Council can propose the election of a temporary replacement.