Dr. Aatos Erkko, one of the key figures in Finland's media business, believes that the office of the Presidency is becoming unnecessary, and that it could be abolished sometime in the future. Erkko is one of the main owners of the SanomaWSOY media concern, whose publications include Helsingin Sanomat.

   

In Erkko's view, the duties of the President could be taken over by the Prime Minister, with the help of a deputy prime minister - an office which does not yet exist.

   

Erkko believes that the change could be implemented after the next two Presidential terms have passed.

   

Aatos Erkko brought out his views in a chapter he wrote in a book commemorating the 60th birthday of Dr. Kari Hokkanen, the editor-in-chief of the provincial newspaper Ilkka. Hokkanen, a major figure in the Centre Party, celebrated his birthday in Seinäjoki on Thursday.

   

In the book Erkko writes that the decrease in the power and significance of the Finnish Presidency means that the office will no longer be as sought-after as before. He also concedes that the idea of abolishing the office touches upon the deep sensibilities of the nation.

Erkko emphasises the importance

of the position of Parliament. "I am opposed to referendums, because they are not democracy. Power belongs to the Members of Parliament."

   

He also takes a stand on the issue of how the Prime Minister should be chosen.

   

"It is not self-evident that the leader of the largest party should become Prime Minister, even though that is what people have been led to believe after the constitutional reforms of 2000."

   

Turning to the media, Aatos Erkko calls on the press to devote more time and expertise to defending itself in court.

   

"The mentality of using the courts as a way of making money could prove to be a threat, if journalists do not exercise more caution when writing about difficult topics, and unless they defend themselves better in court."