Alexander Stubb, Finland's former Prime Minister, clinched victory in the presidential election, securing the position as the Nordic country's 13th president. He defeated former Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto in the closely watched electoral contest.

The candidate from the National Coalition Party secured a narrow victory over the liberal Green Party member Haavisto, who graciously conceded, offering congratulations to Alexander, the newly elected 13th president of Finland.

Haavisto expressed confidence in Stubb's capabilities, emphasizing his experience and competence for the role, and emphasized a desire for effective leadership without unnecessary chatter.

According to data from the justice ministry reported by Reuters, Stubb declared himself the winner in the run-off vote after securing 51.6 percent of the votes, with 99.7 percent of the ballots counted. Haavisto trailed with 48.4 per cent.

Making a return to politics after a seven-year break, Stubb, a pro-European and staunch supporter of Ukraine, expressed his gratitude, calling his victory "the greatest honour" of his life, following Haavisto's concession. Additionally, in the initial round on January 28, the NCP candidate led the polls with 27.2 percent of the votes, closely followed by Haavisto with 25.8 percent.

Amid heightened tensions between Finland and its neighbour Russia following the invasion of Ukraine, Finland's presidential election took place at an unprecedented juncture. Helsinki's recent inclusion in NATO and the closure of its eastern border with Russia mark significant shifts, previously considered implausible.

Unlike the majority of European nations, Finland's president wields executive authority in shaping foreign and security policies, along with serving as the supreme commander of the armed forces.

Stubb is set to succeed the incumbent President Sauli Niinisto, who must step down after completing two consecutive six-year terms. At 55 years old, Stubb assumes office amidst severely strained relations between Finland and Russia following Moscow's 2022 invasion of Kyiv.

Against the backdrop of heightened tensions with Russia post-Ukraine invasion, Finland's presidential election occurred unusually. Helsinki's recent NATO entry and closure of its eastern border with Russia signal significant policy shifts. Unlike most European nations, Finland's president holds executive power over foreign and security affairs and commands the armed forces. Stubb, replacing Niinisto after two terms, assumes office amid strained relations with Russia.

Finnish voters prioritized security and defense amidst concerns about migrants entering through the eastern border, attributed to Russia. Former foreign ministers Stubb and Haavisto, advocates of Finland's NATO membership, call for a tough stance against Russia. Stubb supports deepening NATO cooperation, including troop placement but opposes storing nuclear weapons in Finland.

Image source: WION News