Parliament's Chancellery Commission has unanimously decided to suspend Tytti Yli-Viikari from her role as auditor general of the National Audit Office of Finland (VTV) pending the outcome of a criminal investigation.
The decision was announced following a commission meeting on Thursday afternoon.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has started a preliminary probe into salary payments made by the VTV to an official during the early stages of Yli-Viikari's tenure as auditor general. The official received the salary for two years despite having no obligation to do any work.
Furthermore, Yli-Viikari has been embroiled in an expenses scandal since reports emerged that she spent about 5,000 euros of public money on hairdressing and beauty services. There were also questions over her use of Finnair Bonus flight points.
The commission said that Yli-Viikari's ability to perform her duties while the preliminary investigation is ongoing has substantially deteriorated.
The VTV is responsible for auditing government agencies. Green Party MP and chair of Parliament's Audit Committee Outi Alanko-Kahiluoto previously stated that the scandal was affecting the agency's staff and reputation.
Announcing the decision on Thursday afternoon, Speaker of Parliament Anu Vehviläinen (Cen) noted that Yli-Viikari failed to provide satisfactory answers at two committee meetings last month.
"At today's meeting, her answers did not satisfy us as members of the Chancellery Commission either," Vehviläinen said, adding that the use of public money is dependent upon the trust of citizens.
"Public debate has played a role in the formation of the overall picture," she said.
The possible permanent dismissal of Yli-Viikari from her role would need to be decided by a plenary session of Parliament.
