03/12/2019 (Agence Europe) – At the head of a coalition government since June (see EUROPE 12268/24), Finnish Prime Minister Antti Rinne resigned on Tuesday, 3 December. His management of the strike by state postal service employees has been strongly criticised, especially by the Centre Party. The news agency AP reported that the Finnish parliament will appoint a new prime minister next week and that quick early elections have not been organised at this stage. Until a new government is formed, the ‘Rinne’ government remains in office so as to specifically ensure the continuity of the Finnish Presidency of the Council of the EU until the end of December. Mr Rinne remains the representative in the European Council, and the ministers of the outgoing government are chairing the sectoral formations of the Council [of Ministers]. (MB)