election day
February 11th
Type of election
president
who is running
Former Prime Minister Alexander Stubb narrowly leads won the final voteTo become the new president of Finland. Stubb will be responsible for steering security policy, including the integration of new NATO members into the alliance amid concerns about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. After Finnish public broadcaster YLE announced a prediction of Stubb’s victory, his opponent, former Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto, immediately conceded defeat. Stubb said Finland’s priorities during the election period include maintaining a tough stance against Russia and its current leadership, strengthening security ties with the United States, and the need to support Ukraine on both military and civilian levels. He said it includes things like gender.
Leaders after early voting results, National Union Party candidate Alexander Stubbe (right) and social movement candidate Pekka Haavisto during the presidential election at Helsinki City Hall in Helsinki, Finland, Sunday, January 28, 2024 stand at the event. ((Markku Ulander/Lehtikuva via AP)
why it matters to the world
The president is an important political post in this Nordic country of 5.6 million people. 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. 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 2023In the aftermath of Russia’s attack on Ukraine a year ago. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy was one of the first foreign dignitaries to send his “heartfelt congratulations” to Mr Stubb. The war in Ukraine had a profound impact on the Finnish people, who share commonalities.1,340 kilometers (832 miles) of borderTogether with Russia.
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