Bureaucracy frustrates Finnish woman seeking to manage sick relative's affairs

Pipsa Palander faces a frustrating bureaucratic hurdle in her attempt to manage the affairs of a seriously ill relative. Although the relative, with the help of lawyers, established a power of attorney years ago, the Digi and Population Data Agency (DVV) requires several months to confirm it.

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I imagined that the authorization would be enough and I could walk into the bank with it to handle these matters.

Palander applied to have the power of attorney confirmed about two weeks ago, expecting a swift process given the legal documentation and a doctor's note. However, the DVV estimates a 3-4 month waiting period. During this time, Palander cannot handle crucial matters like her relative's finances or housing.

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The processing of the application will take 3–4 months, according to the DVV's estimate.

This delay creates "serious problems" for both Palander and her relative. For instance, it complicates securing a care facility for the relative. Palander expressed her disbelief, stating, "You can't do those things without the blessing of this god of bureaucracy, the Digi and Population Data Agency."

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The delay in processing the matter causes 'serious problems' for both Palander and her relative.

Palander noted that the DVV is currently processing applications received in late April. She worries about individuals with memory-impaired relatives who might not have the same support network. The DVV attributes long processing times to government austerity measures, similar to issues reported with moving notifications last summer.

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You can't do those things without the blessing of this god of bureaucracy, the Digi and Population Data Agency.