“That’s what I want to do too.”
Antti and Janika Kaikkonen they have two young sons, one two years old and the other six months old. Janika Kaikkonen will start her new position as Bayer’s PR director on January 1, 2023.
Kaikkonen reminded that his ministerial duties have led to numerous long working hours and business trips. “Children are only small for a moment, and I want to remember that even without photos.”
the Treasury minister Annika Saarikko (The Center) informed STT that it would propose it Mika Lintilä (The Center) juggle two ministerial portfolios – the Minister of Economic Affairs and the Minister of Defense – in Kaikkonen’s absence. The final decision on the temporary compensation will be made on Thursday.
Saarikko also praised Kaikkonen’s decision. “Only Kaikkonen can be a present father to his children, but in politics things go on and arrangements can be made.”
On Tuesday, STT asked Kaikkose if the timing of the vacation gives him a break, considering the pending NATO application, the raging war in Ukraine and the approaching parliamentary elections in April.
“Sure, but if you start waiting for the moment when it comes without challenges, you’re going to be waiting a long time,” he replied.
“Regarding NATO membership, the decisions will ultimately be made in Hungary and Turkey,” he added, referring to the only two countries that have not yet ratified the membership applications of Finland and Sweden.
Kaikkonen will have to formally resign from his post as a minister for the duration of his parental leave, as the national law does not recognize the family leave of the government or MP. He is believed to be the first long parental leave taken by a male minister, according to STT.
Aleksi Teivainen – HT
Source: The Nordic Page