The vote was close. Former conservative Prime Minister Alexander Stubb won the presidential election with 51.6% of the vote, compared to 48.4% for Pekka Haavisto, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and member of the Greens.
The election was marked by tensions with Russia. Relations between Helsinki and Moscow have deteriorated since the war in Ukraine. And especially since Finland, worried about its security, joined NATO in April 2023.
“The starting point is that I want to see Finland at the heart of NATO. That we can provide security, not just benefit from it. That we have strong and unwavering support, defense within the alliance, because we share 1,340 kilometers of border with Russia“, declared the winner of the presidential election.
During the second round of this election, more than 70% of the 4.3 million voters expected at the polls came to vote.
“We have two great candidates. And both would make a great president here in Finland. But the margin of victory was pretty tight. So I think Stubb has a lot of work to do to unify the whole country,” said Jim Koskinen , support from Alexander Stubb.
“I am very proud of his victory. For me, his values, the liberal values that he presents are really, really important in our time,” said Kimmo Erikssonl, supporter of Alexander Stubb.
Elected for six years, the head of state, who has limited powers compared to the Prime Minister, is notably in charge of the country’s foreign policy.