LONDON – Finland’s former prime minister Alexander Stubb became the Nordic country’s 13th president after defeating former foreign minister Pekka Haavisto in yesterday’s election.
Stubb, of the conservative National Coalition party, secured 51.6% of the vote, while Haavisto of the Green Party received 48.4%, Anadolu Agency reported.
Stub characterised his victory as the greatest honour of his life, saying the task is bigger than the person.
“I will do my best every day and put Finland’s interests first. I want to be the president of the entire nation,” he said at a press conference.
He added that he was “infinitely happy and grateful that Finns have voted in such large numbers” and that he has been given the opportunity to serve as president of the republic.
Stubb will replace the incumbent Sauli Niinisto, known for his role in maintaining close ties with Russia. Niinisto was forced to step down after serving two six-year terms.
The high-stakes presidential election is widely seen as historically the most important amid Finland’s recent entry into Nato and the country’s strong stance against Russia.
Finland’s president usually takes the lead on foreign and security policy while maintaining close collaboration with the government and is acting as commander-in-chief of the Finnish Defence Forces.
Stubb will lead the nation in its new role after Finland became the 31st member of Nato last April, ending decades of military non-alignment as the result of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
He will be expected to represent Finland at Nato meetings. – February 12, 2024