Participate and influence

You have the right to participate and influence the decision-making and operations of the municipality in many different ways. You can give us direct feedback or influence through more formal channels. Your opinions and ideas are important to us, thank you for them!

MerikarviaThe municipality's goal is to provide a comfortable living environment with excellent opportunities for entrepreneurship, work and a good life, as well as diverse services. We hope that you will also contribute to achieving these goals and the future of the municipality by participating in the management of common matters. Choose your own channel of influence and tell us your opinion.

Provide ideas for developing the municipality's operations

You can send feedback or questions to the municipality and municipal employees either via the electronic feedback form or by sending an email to the registry at: kirjaamo@merikarvia.fi.

You can find the feedback form here.. You can use the form to send us questions or let us know about development ideas, complaints, and praise for our services. Feedback will be delivered to the people responsible for the services according to the topic.

What to do if you suspect cybercriminal activity?

If you suspect cybercrime, it's important to act quickly and systematically. Follow the guidelines below to protect yourself and ensure that authorities can handle the case effectively. 

There are many types of cybercrime; using artificial intelligence to influence the subconscious, unauthorized intrusion into information systems, crashing websites, malware, stealing personal information and using it in fraud, making false payments, spying on information, selling faulty products, scam emails or websites that try to trick you into giving your information to scammers, manipulated images, videos, news and other electronic material that aims to mislead people, child pornography and other illegal content, digital harassment, defamation or death threats or selling illegal products on the so-called dark web, etc. 

1. Assess the situation and ensure safety

• Do not click on suspicious links or open unknown attachments in emails or messages.

• If the incident involves an IT system within your organization or workplace, immediately report the matter to your IT department or information security officer.

• Do not share your sensitive information, such as banking information or passwords.

• If you have been a victim of cybercrime (e.g. extortion, fraud, identity theft), stay calm and move on to the next step.

2. Collect and store evidence – digitally and on paper

Evidence is very important in fighting cybercrime. Remember to save and print it:

✅ Take screenshots of suspicious messages, websites, emails, and any related events and print them on paper.

✅ Write down the exact details (dates, times, suspicious IP addresses, email addresses, and website URLs) and print them out on paper.

✅ Save copies to your computer, external storage device (USB flash drive, cloud service) and, above all, print all information on paper.

✅ If you have received a scam message, do not delete it – authorities may need it for technical analysis.

By printing your evidence, you ensure that it is preserved even if your device is damaged or attackers try to delete it.

3. Notify the authorities

To the police:

• If it is a crime, such as fraud, identity theft, or extortion:

• File a crime report on the police's online service: www.poliisi.fi/rikoksen_ilmoitteing

• In urgent cases, call the emergency number 112.

• If it is a data security breach (cyber attack, data leak, phishing) – notify the Cybersecurity Center: www.kyberturlissionaliskeskus.fi  The Cybersecurity Center can provide recommendations and warnings to other users about similar threats.

• If you suspect large-scale or international cybercrime: FINCSC (Finnish Cybercrime Prevention Centre, Central Criminal Police) – Report to the Finnish Cybercrime Prevention Centre (www.poliisi.fi).

Make sure that when you notify the authorities, you also provide them with: paper versions of all the evidence.

4. Protect your data and prevent further damage

• Change passwords for important services immediately (bank accounts, email, social media). Use strong and unique passwords for each service.

• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on email and other important accounts.

• Update your security software and run a virus scan if you suspect malware on your device.

• If your bank details have fallen into the wrong hands, withdraw the stolen money in cash or transfer your funds to another bank account, choose the faster route, then notify your bank immediately so that your account can be closed as soon as possible.

Also print out instructions for changing passwords and security measures so you can refer to them if necessary.

5. Warn others and share information

• If it is a scam or phishing message, also report it to others: colleagues, family and friends, via social media or to information security communities (e.g. “Huijarit kuriin” groups).

• If the scam is related to a bank, online service or company, report it to that party (e.g. bank customer service or website maintenance).

6. Keep all information for future reference

Because cybercrime can sometimes be slow-moving or linked to other incidents, keep all of the following:

• Printed evidence and notes

• Reports made to the police or other authorities

• Responses you have received from your notifications

Keep this information in a safe place as it may be useful later if the case escalates or you need to take further action.

More information and help

• Cybersecurity Center: www.kyberturlissionaliskeskus.fi

• Police: www.poliisi.fi

• Crime Victims' Emergency Service (RIKU): www.riku.fi

By acting systematically and printing all important information on paper, you ensure that you can effectively protect yourself against cybercrime.

Reporting abuse Merikarviain Finland and the EU

All reporting of abuse is anonymous, meaning you can do it anonymously. There are reporting channels by topic – here is a list of them. If you don't know which channel would be the most appropriate, the main thing is to report it – the message will be forwarded to the right party.

MerikarviaThe municipality has its own channel for reporting misconduct and protecting whistleblowers in accordance with the EU Whistleblower Directive. 

• Merikarvian municipal abuse reporting form

EU whistleblowing and whistleblower protection and safe ways to report abuse in the EU

1. European Commission: You can report, for example, cases of misuse of EU funds or corruption. The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) processes these reports. The report can be named or anonymous. You can also report suspicions of the use of artificial intelligence systems that manipulate the subconscious or use other undetectable techniques aimed at influencing human behavior. Reporting is especially important if you suspect that someone is influencing people's privacy or behavior in a way that could cause harm.

• OLAF notification form

2. European Ombudsman: Report malpractice in EU agencies.

• Ombudsman complaint form

3. European Court of Auditors: Reports on financial irregularities in EU activities.

• Court of Auditors' reporting channel

4. National channels: Each EU country has its own channels for reporting abuses in violation of national law.

Social media

MerikarviaThe municipality and its services have various social media channels at their disposal. These channels provide information about news and other current issues concerning the municipality. They also serve as open discussion forums. Merikarvian electronic channels page you will find a list of all the municipality's social media channels.

What to do if you encounter bad behavior on social media

There are many ways to respond to bad behavior on social media in Finland, depending on the severity of the situation and the platform used. Below are instructions to help you respond effectively and appropriately, including reporting mechanisms on different social media platforms and national feedback channels.
1. Reporting on various social media platforms

Facebook

• How to report bad behavior or illegal content:
  1. Open the post, comment, or profile you want to report.
  2. Click the three dots (“…”) and select Report.
  3. Follow the instructions to select a reason for reporting.
  4. Facebook processes reports and may remove content, block the user, or issue warnings.

Instagram

• How to report:
  1. Select the three dots (“…”) next to the post or profile Report.
  2. Select a reason, such as “bullying” or “hate speech.”
  3. Instagram will review the report and take appropriate action.

X (formerly Twitter)

• How to report inappropriate content:
  1. Select the arrow icon at the top of the tweet and click Report message.
  2. Select the reason for reporting and follow the instructions.
  3. X reviews the report and takes action, such as warnings or account closure.

YouTube

• How to report abusive content or users:
  1. Click the flag icon next to the video or comment.
  2. Select the reason for reporting and follow the instructions.
  3. YouTube will review the report and may remove the video or terminate the account.

TikTok

• How to report videos or users:
  1. Select from the three-dot menu Report for a video or user.
  2. Select the reason for the report, for example, "inappropriate content" or "bullying."
  3. TikTok will take appropriate action based on your report.

2. National feedback channels and reporting to authorities

Police

• If you encounter serious online harassment, threats, hate speech or criminal activity on social media, you can file a criminal report with the police. You can file a report online Suomi.fi service or by visiting a police station.

Online tip

• Online tip is a service maintained by the Population Register Centre where you can report illegal content or activity on the internet. You can leave an anonymous tip on the service, for example about hate speech, child sexual abuse or other illegal activity online.
  • Online tip: nettivihje.fi

Cyber ​​Security Center

• If you notice any security-related abuse, such as online scams or phishing, you can report it to the Cybersecurity Center. You can use the service to report, for example, malware or phishing websites.
  • Cybersecurity Center notification form

Mannerheim League for Child Welfare (MLL)

• MLL

Phone for children and young people and chat are services aimed at young people where you can talk about bullying or online harassment.

• • Children and youth hotline: 116 111
  • MLL chat service

3. General instructions for the user

• Save the evidence: Take screenshots, recordings, or links to any bad behavior, especially if you have to take the matter to the authorities, and print everything possible on paper.
• Do not answer: Responding to a bully or harasser can make the situation worse. The best course of action is to report the user or content and, if necessary, block the person in question.
• Block the harasser: On most social media platforms, you can block disruptive users, preventing them from seeing your content and contacting you.

These guidelines will help you respond to bad behavior on social media effectively and appropriately, and ensure that you have both platform-specific and national channels available to handle the situation.

Municipal events

Municipal events are various discussion and information events about municipal services that are open to everyone. The events involve municipal officials and elected officials discussing and answering questions. Municipal events are announced on the municipality's website and in the local newspaper.

Current affairs and announcements

A wide variety of information can be found on the municipality's website. With official announcements Announcements include planning projects, granted building permits, approved tariffs, municipal council meetings, street plans or hearings – you can find them using the search term announcements.

Municipal initiative

According to the Local Government Act, you have the right to make initiatives to the municipality in matters concerning its operations. A municipal initiative is a means of local influence that allows you to make your voice heard. Every Merikarvia resident has the right to make initiatives in matters concerning the municipality's operations. Initiatives must deal with common issues and therefore cannot be made as initiatives, for example, inquiries or personal applications and petitions.

To submit a municipal initiative, you must be a resident of the municipality. Anyone under the age of 18 can also submit a municipal initiative.

A municipal initiative is processed by the institution or official whose duties include the matter. If the initiative is submitted by at least two percent of the municipal residents entitled to vote, it must be processed by the council within six months, if the matter falls within the council's jurisdiction. The initiator must be notified of the measures taken in response to the initiative.

How do I submit a municipal initiative?

MerikarviaThere are many ways to submit a municipal initiative to a municipality. You can submit a written municipal initiative Merikarvian to the municipal registry office in person, by letter or by email kirjaamo@merikarvia.fi. The initiative can be free-form, but a clear, well-written and well-founded initiative is easier to process and its implementation possibilities are easier to assess. Remember to also include your contact information in the initiative.

 

Legislative initiative

There are several ways to initiate a legislative initiative in Finland, and the most popular is the citizens' initiative. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to initiate a legislative initiative and how many declarations of support are needed for a citizens' initiative to advance to Parliament:

Citizen initiative

A citizens' initiative allows citizens to propose a new law or an amendment to an existing law. The process is as follows:

1. Preparing the initiative: The initiator prepares a proposal proposing a law or amendment. This can be a detailed bill or a description of the kind of changes they want to make.
2. Collection of statements of support: The citizens' initiative must receive at least 50 statements of support within six months. Statements of support can be collected on paper or electronically. The most popular way is to use the Kansalaisaloite.fi website. https://www.kansalaisaloite.fi/fi where citizens can sign the initiative. Once 50 declarations of support have been collected, the initiative can be submitted to Parliament for consideration.
3. Submitting the initiative to Parliament: Once the necessary signatures have been collected, the initiative is submitted to Parliament, where it is processed like other legislative proposals.
4. Parliamentary consideration: The initiative is considered by Parliament, and its progress depends on the committee's opinion and the decision of the plenary session. Parliament may approve, modify or reject the initiative.

You can find more information and instructions on how to submit a citizens' initiative at the Kansalaisaloite.fi service. https://www.kansalaisaloite.fi/fi/tietoa

Parliamentary Bill

A Member of Parliament can initiate a new law or amendment at any time during a parliamentary session. The process is as follows:

1. Drafting an initiative: A member of parliament drafts a written legislative initiative proposing a new law or amendments to an existing law.
2. Submitting an initiative: The initiative is submitted to Parliament for consideration. It is recorded in the documents and sent to the committee for evaluation.
3. Committee consideration: The legislative initiative is considered by a committee, which issues a statement on its content.
4. Plenary session: After the committee's statement, the initiative is discussed in the plenary session of Parliament, where the final decision is made based on a vote.

You can find more information about the MP's legislative initiative on the Parliament's website. https://www.eduskunta.fi/FI/naineduskuntatoimii/lait-ja-saadokset/Sivut/lakialoitteet.aspx

Government bill

A government bill is the most common way in which laws are enacted in Finland. The bill is prepared by the ministries and forwarded by the government. The process proceeds as follows:

1. Preparation in the ministry: Ministries prepare draft laws, often in collaboration with various expert bodies. Opinion rounds and hearings are part of the preparation.
2. Government approval: The Government approves the completed proposal and submits it to Parliament for consideration.
3. Parliamentary consideration: The bill is first discussed in committee and then in the plenary session of Parliament, where a decision is made to approve or reject the law.

More information about the government's bills can be found on the Government's website.

https://valtioneuvosto.fi/hallitus/hallituksen-esitykset

 

Monitor decision making

You can follow the municipality's decision-making from the agendas and minutes of the meetings. The agendas of the municipal council, board, and committees, along with their appendices, are published on the municipality's website before the meetings. Go to agendas and minutes. The same place also contains official decisions.

Council meetings are generally public and can be observed on site by anyone interested in municipal decision-making. The council meeting room is located at the municipal office. Meetings are announced in the local newspaper and on the municipality's website.

You can find the contact information for the shop stewards on the city council website.

Appeal against decisions

You have the legal right to appeal decisions. This is possible by filing a claim for rectification or a municipal appeal. The claim for rectification must be filed before the municipal appeal.

You can apply for a change.

• with a claim for rectification
• with a municipal appeal
• by administrative appeal

Rectification claim

If you are dissatisfied decisions of the municipal government, boards, committees or officials, you can file a claim for rectification. A request for rectification is a mandatory preliminary stage of a municipal appeal. A request for rectification can be directed at any municipal authority except the municipal council. A request for rectification may be filed by a party to the decision, i.e. the person to whom the decision is directed or whose right, obligation or interest is directly affected by the decision, as well as a resident of the municipality.

Municipal council decisions Dissatisfaction with the municipality is expressed directly through a municipal complaint.

How do I make a claim for rectification?

If your dissatisfaction concerns decisions made by the municipal government, committees or officials, a request for rectification should be submitted to the registry office (kirjaamo@merikarvia.fi) or by mail: MerikarviaMunicipality of – Kauppatie 40 299 00 Merikarvia. The authorities will forward the appeals to the correct party. In your appeal, please state which decision you wish to have corrected.

Deadlines: 

You must submit a request for rectification of decisions made by boards or municipal councils to the body that made the decision no later than 14 days after the date of receipt of the notification. The date of receipt of the notification depends on the method of publication of the decision – you can check the calculation method with the municipality: send your question to the registry: kirjaamo@merikarvia.fi. Please note that no appeal may be made against decisions concerning preparation or implementation. For more detailed instructions, see the appeal instructions attached to minutes and decisions. The appeal must be made in writing.

The request for rectification will be processed immediately after it has been received by the responsible party.

Municipal appeal

If you are not satisfied with the response you receive to your request for rectification, you can appeal the decision by filing a municipal appeal. A municipal appeal is also filed when you appeal decisions made by the municipal council or joint municipal authority.

A municipal appeal is filed with the administrative court and must always be in writing.

A municipal appeal may be filed by a party to the decision, i.e. a person to whom the decision is addressed or whose right, obligation or interest is directly affected by the decision, as well as a resident of the municipality. A municipal appeal following a claim for rectification may only be filed by the person who filed the original claim for rectification.

If the decision has changed as a result of a request for rectification, other affected residents of the municipality who were satisfied with the original decision may also appeal the decision through a municipal appeal.

A municipal appeal may only be filed on legal grounds:

1. the decision was made in the wrong order
2. the authority that made the decision has exceeded its powers or
3. the decision is otherwise unlawful

A municipal appeal must be made in writing within 30 days of receiving notification of the decision.

You can send your complaint letter by post or courier at your own risk. Please note that letters sent by post must arrive before the end of the complaint period.

Administrative appeal

Many decisions are made in the municipality under various special laws. Special laws concern, for example, school and environmental matters.

The appeal provisions of special laws vary greatly. The form of appeal is often an administrative appeal, which is not limited to legality grounds, but can also be made on the grounds of expediency, i.e. on the grounds that the decision is inappropriate in the appellant's opinion.

The appeal period is 30 days from the notification of the decision, unless otherwise provided.

Many special laws require that a claim for rectification be filed before an appeal. Sometimes a claim for rectification under the Municipal Act may also be considered.

An administrative appeal can only be filed by the party concerned, i.e. the person to whom the decision is addressed or whose right, obligation or interest is directly affected by the decision.

Always check the procedure in the minutes or the appeal instructions attached to the decision before filing an appeal based on a special law. Some special laws may include prohibitions on appeal.

Youth council

MerikarviaThere is a youth council. The youth council acts as a link between young people and decision-makers, as a politically non-aligned group. The youth council consists of middle school and high school students from Merikarvia. Representatives are elected from the youth council members to the leisure, college, culture and education committees, where they have the right to be present and speak.

Nuorisopassi application

Nuorisopassi application allows young people to get to know their home municipality and its activities. Based on the benefits used by young people, municipalities receive direct data on what activities young people prefer, and this allows them to offer more activities that are interesting to young people.

Elections

Voting is a fundamental right of every adult citizen and one of the most important ways to influence decision-making. The following general national elections will be held in Finland:

• parliamentary elections every four years
• municipal and regional elections every four years
• Presidential election (presidential elections) every six years
• European Parliament elections (MEP elections) every five years.

For more information about the elections, please visit the Ministry of Justice website. from election pages. General arrangements for elections MerikarviaIn the municipality, the Central Election Board takes care of this.