HELSINKI, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Addressing the Finnish parliament, the newly-elected speaker Antti Rinne on Wednesday called for mutual respect among the parliament members.

At a press conference, Rinne elaborated that in recent years behavior in parliament "caused ripples". He said the presidium would work towards maintaining a peaceful working climate in the parliament.

"The image of politics will be impacted greatly by the work of this house and by the actions of each of us," Rinne said.

Rinne did not refer to any practical examples, but the parliament got bad publicity following the conviction of an MP on sexual assault of another MP in 2018.

Rinne also said parliament would be in a "situation of responsibility" right at the start of its four-year tenure as Finland takes up the EU presidency in July.

Chairman of Finnish Social Democratic Party, Rinne was elected Speaker of Parliament as the new legislature began its work on Wednesday. Social democrats emerged as the largest party in the general election in mid-April.

Juho Eerola, MP of the Finns Party, became first deputy speaker and Paula Risikko, MP of the conservative National Coalition Party, took the job as the second deputy speaker.

The composition of the presidium is likely to change after the appointment of a new cabinet. The parliament is expected to assign Rinne on Friday to start the talks about the composition of the government. If Rinne becomes the prime minister, the new speaker would be chosen from the second largest party in his coalition.

The festive opening ceremonies of the new parliament will take place on Thursday. Finnish President Sauli Niinisto will address the session following an ecumenical church service. Enditem

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