The Prime Minister is the political leader of the Government and is responsible for reconciling the differing views on Government policy held by the various groups represented in the Government. The Prime Minister is also responsible for coordinating Government work with that of Parliament. The new Finnish Constitution which came into force in March 2000 has strengthened the position of the Prime Minister. Under the Constitution, the President of the Republic may dissolve Parliament and call fresh elections only on receipt of a request from the Prime Minister and having first consulted the party groups in Parliament.
