HELSINKI (Reuters) – Center-right Alexander Stubbe of the National Union Party appears to be leading the liberal Green Party’s Pekka Haavisto ahead of the February 11 run-off in Finland’s presidential election. This was revealed in a poll by Helsingin Sanomat, Finland’s largest daily newspaper. Tuesday.
After ending decades of non-alignment to join the Western defense alliance in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Finland has announced a new role to lead the country’s foreign and security policy in a new role within NATO. electing the president.
Opinion polls were conducted on Monday and Tuesday, with Mr. Stubb narrowly leading in Sunday’s presidential election opener with 27.2% support, followed by Mr. Hervist with 25.8%.
When asked which of the two remaining candidates they would vote for now, 57% of respondents chose Mr Stubb, according to data collected online by polling firm Berian for Helsingin Sanomat. 43% said they would vote for Harvist.
The President of Finland works closely with the government to lead foreign and security policy, represents the country at NATO meetings, and serves as the Supreme Commander of the Finnish Defense Forces.
Mr Stubb, 55, is a former prime minister and pro-European international who described himself as a “moderate” in an interview with Reuters before the election.
Mr. Stubb’s rival in the second round, former foreign minister Harvist, is a centre-left human rights activist and former peace negotiator.
If elected, he will become Finland’s first openly gay president.
(Reporting by Ann Kaulanen in Helsinki; Editing by Ed Osmond)