The president’s final New Year’s address called on Europe to “wake up.”
Finland’s security was front and center Sauli NiinistoLast New Year’s speech as president.
He pointed to the country’s entry into NATO this year and said Finland’s security was “even more firmly established.”
“Russia’s demand to prevent Finland and Sweden from joining NATO reflects Russia’s efforts to change the status quo and create a gray zone of interest within Europe,” he said, adding that Sweden’s NATO membership is a step forward. He added that it seems like he is doing so. .
Niinistö seemed to want to reassure Finnish viewers, saying, “Finland’s security is currently under multiple locks.”
He also mentioned the new Defense Agreement (DCA) with the US and membership in the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF).
“Wake up”
He also called on Europe to “wake up” and invest not only in supporting Ukraine but also in defense to deter Russia, saying Russia was “regaining some of its self-respect.”
“Russia is never as strong as it seems, and Russia is never as weak as it seems. There is a grain of truth in this phrase, which has been expressed in many different ways over time,” he told viewers. .
Speculation has been swirling for the past few months as to whether there will be a second installment. donald trump A presidential inauguration would mean the withdrawal of the United States from Europe and NATO.
“It is also clear that European countries are expected to take more responsibility in transatlantic relations,” Niinistö said.
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Niinistö was tasked with overseeing Finland’s foreign policy, but also focused on day-to-day issues and the Finnish economy. As a former finance minister, he once again warned of Finland’s rising public debt, weak economic development and people’s struggle to make ends meet.
To address these issues, Niinistö proposed creating a commission that would work across multiple election periods. This will help build a perspective that will carry over from one parliamentary period to the next, he said.
Only at the end of his speech did Niinistö acknowledge that his 12-year term was coming to an end.
“This is the last time I will formally greet you. I would like to express my deep gratitude for the opportunity to express my views, however more or less accurate.”
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