Chapter 12. National defence
Section 127. National defence obligation
Every Finnish citizen is obligated to participate or assist in national defence, as provided by an Act. Provisions on the right to exemption, on grounds of conscience, from participation in military national defence are laid down by an Act.
Section 128. Commander-in-chief of the defence forces
The President of the Republic is the commander-in-chief of the defence forces. On the proposal of the Government in situations of emergency, the President may relinquish this task to another Finnish citizen. (1112/2011, entry into force 1.3.2012)
The President appoints the officers of the defence forces.
Section 129. Mobilisation
On the proposal of the Government, the President of the Republic decides on the mobilisation of the defence forces. If the Parliament is not in session at that moment, it shall be convened at once.
