Finland's Prime Minister, Antti Rinne resigns

The resignation of Finland’s prime minister, Antti Rinne who lost the support of the coalition partner Centre Party has been accepted by the country’s President Sauli Niinisto.

Rinne was however asked to stay on in a caretaker capacity until a new government has been appointed.

“All of the governing parties have confidence in me, except the Centre Party. When I was told why they no longer have confidence in me, I made the decision to resign.
“All of the government parties are committed to the… government programme. If (me) being prime minister jeopardises the government programme, it is better that I steer clear of it,” Rinne told reporters.

He reportedly came under pressure over the government’s handling of a two-week postal strike. The prime minister was accused of lying by the head of Finland Post, the culmination of a long-running dispute over reforms to the pay and conditions for some postal workers.

Rinne’s centre-left coalition took office less than six months ago when the Social Democratic Party narrowly won April’s parliamentary election. The Finnish government has been widely criticised for its handling of widespread national strikes which lasted for two weeks.

Though there is no formal vote of no-confidence in Antti Rinne, his government however saw a sharp drop in support in the wake of the strikes. Current Minister of Transportation and Communications, Sanna Marin is said to be the favourite to replace Rinne.