New NATO member Finland elects a president set to maintain hard line on neighboring Russia

DATE OF ELECTION

February 11th

TYPE OF ELECTION

Presidential

WHO’S RUNNING

Former Prime Minister Alexander Stubb narrowly won a runoff vote to become Finland’s new president. Stubb will steer security policy that includes integrating the new NATO member into the alliance at a time of concern over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. His opponent, ex-Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto immediately conceded defeat when a projection by the Finnish public broadcaster YLE showing a win for Stubb was released. During his campaign, Stubb said Finland’s priorities include maintaining a hard line toward Moscow and Russia’s current leadership, strengthening security ties with Washington, and the need to help Ukraine both militarily and at a civilian level. 

Leaders after the early vote results, National Coalition Party candidate Alexander Stubb, right, and Social Movement candidate Pekka Haavisto stand during the Presidential election event, at the Helsinki City Hall, in Helsinki, Finland, Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024. ( (Markku Ulander/Lehtikuva via AP)

WHY IT MATTERS TO THE WORLD

The presidency is a key political post in this northern European country of 5.6 million people. Unlike in most European countries, the president of Finland holds executive power in formulating foreign and security policy together with the government, especially concerning countries outside the European Union such as the United States, Russia and China. During the election campaign, Stubb and Haavisto largely agreed on Finland’s foreign policy and security priorities. These include maintaining a hard line toward Moscow and Russia’s current leadership, strengthening security ties with Washington, and the need to help Ukraine both militarily and at a civilian level. The head of state also commands the military — particularly important in Europe’s current security environment and the changed geopolitical situation of Finland, which joined NATO in April 2023 in the aftermath of Russia’s attack on Ukraine a year earlier. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was among the first foreign dignitaries to send “sincere congratulations” to Stubb. The war in Ukraine has deeply affected the citizens of Finland, which shares a 1,340-kilometer (832-mile) border with Russia.

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