Interior Minister Mari Rantanen (Finns) will step down from her post from 1 September until 31 December for family reasons. For four months, the interior minister's portfolio will be handled by Minister of Transport and Communications Lulu Ranne (Finns).

Rantanen, a former nurse, has previously spoken publicly about her life as a caregiver for her daughter, who is in her late 20s and has severe disabilities.

"Due to my child's sudden, serious illness and the resulting long recovery time, I will temporarily step aside from the position of Minister of the Interior until the end of the year," she said at a press conference in Helsinki on Thursday.

"The interior minister’s duties are extremely important, but a mother’s duties are even more important," said Rantanen, adding that she will continue to serve as an MP.

Rantanen said she plans – at least at this point – to resume her position as interior minister from the beginning of next year.

Finns Party chair and Finance Minister Riikka Purra said she supports Rantanen's decision, saying that "Mari's decision to put her child first is the only right one".

"For four months, the interior minister's portfolio will be transferred to the transport minister as a double portfolio. Lulu Ranne is a competent, tireless and strong woman who will survive this challenge. The rest of us will help as best we can," said Purra.

The Finns Party, the second largest in Parliament, holds seven seats in the 19-member right-wing cabinet led by Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (NCP), which took office in June 2023.

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