In the second round of the presidential elections in Finland, held on Sunday, February 11, 55-year-old Alexander Stubb won.
As reported by the Finnish publication Yle, he received 51.6% of the votes.
Alexander Stubb narrowly defeated his competitor and former Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto, for whom 48.4% of voters voted. The difference was less than 99 thousand votes.
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Stubb will take the oath of office as President of Finland on March 1, 2024.
It is known that Stubb has extensive political experience, he was the Minister of Finance of Finland (2015-2016), Prime Minister (2014-2015), Minister of Europe and Foreign Trade (2011-2014) , Member of Parliament (2011-2017), Minister of Foreign Affairs (2008-2011), Member of the European Parliament (2004-2008)
In 2017, he announced that he was leaving politics forever, but Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine radically changed his plans.
President Vladimir Zelensky has already congratulated his newly elected colleague on Twitter and expressed hope that Helsinki will continue to cooperate fruitfully with Kiev.
— I sincerely congratulate Alexander Stubb on his election as President of Finland. I appreciate his strong support for Ukraine. I look forward to developing our relationship and our shared vision of a free, united and well-defended Europe, — written by the Ukrainian guarantor.
Alexander Stubb — attitude towards Ukraine and Russia
The new President of Finland actively supports Ukraine’s accession to the European Union and NATO.
Stubb is also convinced that Ukraine should not make territorial concessions to Russia.
At the same time, the politician assured that Helsinki’s foreign policy will not be directed towards the Russian Federation.
— From a political point of view, there will be no relationship with the Russian President or Russian political leadership until they end the war in Ukraine, — he said in a conversation with reporters during the election campaign.
