Stubb, a former prime minister, had received the primary spherical on Jan 28 with 27.2% of the vote forward of Haavisto on 25.8%. He has additionally led Haavisto in opinion surveys, most lately by 6-8 share factors.
Haavisto congratulated Stubb as “the thirteenth president of Finland”.
“I imagine Finland now will get president for the republic. Alexander Stubb is an skilled, competent individual for the job. No extra babble,” he mentioned.
The vote marks a brand new period in Finland, which for many years has elected presidents to foster diplomacy, particularly with neighbouring Russia, and opted to not be a part of army alliances so it may soothe tensions between Moscow and NATO.
However Finns modified their minds after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, in a speedy u-turn that led to the nation becoming a member of NATO in April final 12 months.
Now underneath the Western alliance’s safety umbrella, Stubb will exchange Sauli Niinisto, who’s retiring after two six-year phrases during which he earned the nickname “the Putin Whisperer” for his earlier shut ties with the Russian chief.
Stubb will have a central function in defining Finland’s NATO insurance policies, whereas taking the lead on total international and safety coverage in shut cooperation with the federal government and performing as commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
“Heat congratulations to Alexander Stubb. Finland is our shut good friend and accomplice,” Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson mentioned in a put up on X.
