Finland’s Parliament has overwhelmingly elected conservative party leader Jyrki Katainen as the country’s new prime minister.
In a 118—72 vote, lawmakers on Wednesday approved the appointment of Mr. Katainen, who was finance minister in the outgoing centre—right coalition government. Ten lawmakers were absent or abstained.
Mr. Katainen’s National Coalition Party won most votes in April 17 elections, tasking him with forming the next government. Last week, he announced a broad coalition with the Social Democrats, the left—wing Left Alliance, the Greens, the Swedish People’s Party and the Christian Democrats.
The new, six—party government was to take office later Wednesday.