In a closely contested presidential election on Sunday, Alexander Stubb of the centre-right National Coalition Party emerged victorious, narrowly defeating liberal Green Party member Pekka Haavisto, who graciously conceded defeat, according to a report from Reuters.
Finnish former prime minister and candidate of the National Coalition Party NCP Alexander Stubb reacts as early projections were announced an election reception in Helsinki, Finland, during the first round of the presidential election, on January 28, 2024. Finns went to the polls to elect a new president, an office whose importance has grown on increased tensions with neighbouring Russia since the invasion of Ukraine. While the president's powers are limited, the head of state -- who also acts as supreme commander of Finland's armed forces -- helps direct foreign policy in collaboration with the government, meaning the changing geopolitical landscape in Europe will be the main concern for the winner.
Stubb, a staunch advocate for European integration and a vocal supporter of Ukraine, has consistently adopted a firm stance towards Russia. Reuters went on to disclose that win was declared in the run-off vote, securing 51.6% of the votes with 99.7% of the ballots counted, while Haavisto garnered 48.4%, as per data from the justice ministry. As Finland's new head of state, Stubb will shoulder the responsibility of shaping the nation's security and foreign policies, which includes navigating its relationship with Russia, with whom Finland shares a lengthy border.
In his televised victory speech, Stubb expressed profound gratitude, describing his win as "the greatest honour" of his life. "The feeling is calm, humble but of course at the same time I am extremely happy and grateful that the Finns in such large numbers have voted and that I get to serve as president of the Republic of Finland," he remarked. Stubb, a former prime minister, had previously emerged as the frontrunner in the initial round of voting on Jan. 28, securing 27.2% of the vote, with Haavisto close behind at 25.8%. Opinion surveys consistently favored Stubb, indicating a lead of 6-8 percentage points over Haavisto.
According to Reuters,Haavisto, in his congratulatory message to Stubb, affirmed his belief that Finland would be served well by its new president. "I believe Finland now gets a good president for the republic. Alexander Stubb is an experienced, competent person for the job. No more babble," he stated.
With Stubb's victory, Finland looks ahead to a presidency marked by a commitment to European values and a robust stance on international relations, particularly concerning Russia and the security landscape of the region.
Last month, HNGN reported that as the easternmost democracy in Europe, Finland holds the unique distinction of being the sole EU member to have engaged in a conflict with Russia and shares the longest border with its eastern neighbor. Once neutral nations, both Finland and Sweden shifted their security allegiances towards the West following the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Notably, Finland has emerged as a significant arms provider to Ukraine, firmly opposing Russia's invasion. The forthcoming presidential election on Sunday will determine the successor to Sauli Niinisto, a conservative who has completed two consecutive six-year terms as president.
While the prime minister oversees the executive branch of government from an administrative standpoint, the Finnish president holds pivotal roles in defense and foreign policy. Serving as the commander-in-chief of the military, the president also appoints military officials, thus shaping the nation's strategic direction.
