As Finland prepares to elect its next head of state on Sunday, the race has narrowed down to two experienced politicians: former Prime Minister Alexander Stubb and former Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto. The two candidates agree on Finland’s foreign policy and security priorities, including maintaining a strong stance against Russia and strengthening security ties with Washington. However, the two sides have different approaches to the hypothetical scenario of allowing NATO nuclear weapons to cross into Finnish territory, with Stubbe expressing a more positive view.
A story of two candidates
The President of Finland exercises executive power in shaping foreign and security policy, particularly regarding countries outside the EU. Mr Stubb is expected to win between 53% and 54% of the vote and is the candidate of the centre-right National Union Party. Mr Haavisto, the Green left-wing candidate, is expected to receive 46-47% of the vote. Our shared commitment to Finland’s foreign policy and security priorities reflects the country’s resilience in the face of geopolitical challenges.
Unprecedented times, unique challenges
The presidential election will be held at a time when Finland, currently a NATO member, has closed its eastern border with Russia following the invasion of Ukraine. The incumbent president, Sauli Niinisto, is term-limited and cannot stand for re-election. The run-off election, scheduled for February 11, will be held because no candidate received a majority of valid votes in the first round.
the human side of politics
This election went beyond policy debates and highlighted the human side of politics. Pekka Haavisto, who could become the first gay Green Party president, expressed concern about the increased attention to his own sexuality in the final days of his campaign. Despite the controversy, Haavisto has strong support from female voters and young people. If elected, his top priority will be to work with other world leaders to tackle the climate crisis.
Meanwhile, Sweden is suffering from a shortage of hospital staff. Despite the urgent need for medical professionals, nursing students at Uppsala University don’t want to sacrifice their mental health for a job. This situation highlights the delicate balance between meeting society’s needs and prioritizing individual well-being.
AI and the EU regulatory landscape
In the technology field, the EU’s planned AI law has sparked debate about its potential impact. His AI professor Fredrik Heinz from Linköping University shared his insights on this issue. The law aims to establish a regulatory framework for AI and encourage innovation while addressing ethical and social concerns. As the lines between technology and humanity continue to blur, efforts like this are becoming increasingly important.
Finland is on the brink of electing a new president, and the world is watching with bated breath. The outcome of this election will not only shape Finland’s future, but will also have an impact on the broader geopolitical situation. Regardless of who wins, one thing is certain: the resilience and dedication of the Finnish people to their values will continue to guide us through these unprecedented times.
In the upcoming Finnish presidential election, voters will decide between two experienced politicians: Alexander Stubbe and Pekka Haavisto. Despite common views on foreign policy and security priorities, they differ in their approaches to hypothetical scenarios, such as allowing NATO nuclear weapons to pass through Finnish territory. With Mr. Stubb leading in opinion polls, it remains to be seen whether Mr. Haavist’s focus on climate change and support from certain demographics will determine the final outcome. Amid these political developments, the human element remains, as evidenced by nursing students’ attitudes towards mental health and the EU’s efforts to regulate AI technology.