Lapland

Sami Parliament

Lapland demonstrates a distinct semi-national identity that transcends the borders between Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia. However, there is no movement for complete autonomy. The Sami Parliaments, founded in Norway (1989), Sweden (1993, and Finland (1996) have very weak political influence, far from autonomy. They are formally public authorities, ruled by the Scandinavian governments, but have democratically elected parliamentarians. Their mission is to work for the Sami culture. The candidates' election promises often get in conflict with the institutions' submission under their governments. But as authorities, they have some influence over the government. Although formally similar to a government structure the parliaments strive for sovereignty.

Related Topics:
Lapland - Norway - Sweden - Finland - Russia - Sami Parliament - 1989 - 1993 - 1996 - Sovereignty

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Russia is not actively taking part of this recognition of the minority of Samis. Sweden has taken this active part for two reasons:

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• to recognize the Sami minority as an indigenous people to distinguish it from other minorities;
• to raise the Sami minority influence which comes in conflict with the European majority democracy system, i.e. most votes wins.