HELSINKI (AP) – Former Prime Minister Alexander Stubbe defeated former Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto in Sunday’s run-off in Finland’s general election in a tight race for the presidency and control of the Nordic nation’s foreign and security policy after joining NATO. He won a close battle with the minister. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
After all votes were counted, Stubbe, the centre-right candidate from the National Union Party, had won 51.6% of the vote, while Harvist, an independent candidate from the Green Left, had won 48.4%.
Stubbe, 55, who served as prime minister from 2014 to 2015 and began his political career as a member of the European Parliament in 2004, is the leader of Finland since the Nordic country gained independence from the Russian Empire in 1917. Becomes the 13th president.
Haavisto admitted defeat after Finnish public broadcaster YLE published a prediction on Sunday night indicating a victory for Stubb. He shook Mr. Stubb’s hand and congratulated him at Helsinki City Hall. There, candidates and the media watched the announcement of the results.
A man votes at a polling station during the presidential election on Sunday, February 11, 2024 in Espoo, Finland. (AP Photo/Sergey Grits)
The months-long campaign was civil and non-confrontational, in keeping with Finland’s consensus-driven politics, with no attacks from below by any of the candidates, Stubb noted in his speech to Haavisto.
“This was a fair and great race,” Stubbe told Haavist after the results were known. “I am proud to have run alongside you in this election. Thank you for a good race.”
Mr. Stubbe and Mr. Haavisto, 65, are the leaders of an election in which more than 4 million voters will choose a successor to the hugely popular President Sauli Niinistö, whose second six-year term expires in March. He was a great candidate. He was not eligible for re-election.
Sunday’s run-off election was necessary after none of the original nine candidates received a majority of votes in the first round on January 28. Stubb topped the list with his 27.3%, followed by Haavisto with his 25.8%.
Several opinion polls have shown Stubb, who also served as Finland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Finance and European Affairs, to be the frontrunner for the presidential nomination.
The turnout for the first round was 70.7%, which was significantly lower than the 75% for the first round.
Unlike most European countries, the Finnish president holds executive powers, working with the government to develop foreign and security policy, particularly regarding countries outside the European Union, such as the United States, Russia, and China.
During the campaign, Mr. Stubbe and Mr. Haavisto largely agreed on Finland’s foreign policy and security priorities. These include maintaining a hard line against Russia and its current leadership, strengthening security ties with Washington, and the need to support Ukraine at both military and civilian levels.Finland is 1,340 kilometers (832 miles) of border Together with Russia.
The head of state also commands the military, which is particularly important in the current security environment in Europe and the changing geopolitical situation in Finland. Joins NATO in April 2023 In the aftermath of Russia’s attack on Ukraine a year ago.
Ukrainian President Voldymyr Zelenskiy was one of the first foreign dignitaries to send his “heartiest congratulations” to Mr. Stubbe, an ardent supporter of Kyiv, on his victory.
“Ukraine and Finland, in solidarity with other partners, are strengthening the security of all Europe and the countries of the continent,” President Zelensky said in a message to X (formerly Twitter). I look forward to developing our bilateral relations and developing our common vision of a free, united and well-defended Europe. ”
The Finnish president is expected to distance himself from day-to-day politics and have little involvement in domestic political disputes.
Haavisto was Finland’s top diplomat from 2019 to 2023 and the main negotiator for NATO membership. The former United Nations conflict mediator and passionate environmental activist is running for president for the third time.