Former Prime Minister Alexander Stubb emerged victorious in Finland’s election runoff, defeating ex-Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto. Stubb, a center-right candidate, secured 51.6% of the votes, while Haavisto, an independent candidate from the green left, received 48.4% of the votes. This win will make Stubb Finland’s 13th president since its independence from the Russian empire in 1917.
The election campaign was notable for its polite and non-confrontational nature, with no personal attacks from either candidate. Both Stubb and Haavisto largely agreed on Finland’s foreign policy and security priorities, which encompass maintaining a firm stance towards Russia and strengthening security ties with the United States.
Following his defeat, Haavisto gracefully conceded and congratulated Stubb at the Helsinki City Hall. The Finnish president is endowed with executive power in formulating foreign and security policy, particularly regarding countries outside the European Union. It is expected that Stubb, like his predecessors, will remain above day-to-day politics and abstain from intervening in domestic political disputes.
Stubb’s victory garnered attention beyond Finland, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky extending his congratulations to the newly elected president. Stubb is widely known as a fervent supporter of Ukraine, and his election is seen as a positive development for the country.
Prior to his presidential bid, Haavisto served as Finland’s top diplomat and played a crucial role in negotiating the country’s entry into NATO. While Haavisto’s loss may be disappointing for his supporters, Stubb’s victory signals a continuation of Finland’s foreign policy direction.
As Finland looks towards the future under its new president, citizens and observers alike anticipate how Stubb will navigate the complexities of international relations and maintain the country’s position on key security issues. With a solid mandate from the recent election, the stage is set for Stubb to lead Finland confidently as it faces both regional and global challenges.
