The Social Democrats have named Sirpa Paatero as the new Minister for International development. She will also assume the cabinet responsibility for state ownership steering, a portfolio taken on by a cabinet member to manage state holdings in companies.
Paatero's elevation was confirmed on Tuesday by a meeting of the SDP party board.
The ministerial posts opened up when the Green League decided to leave government over the approval of Fennovoima's plan for a new nuclear plant in Pyhäjoki. On Wednesday the National Coalition Party named Sanni Grahn-Laasonen as the new Environment Minister to replace Green League leader Ville Niinistö.
Paatero has been in parliament since 2006 when she became an MP as replacement for Sinikka Mönkäre, who left the legislature to head up the Slot Machine Association. Since 2007 Paatero has chaired the Workers Sports Federation TUL.
