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The newly elected President of Finland, Alexander Stubb, took his oath and commenced his duties on Friday, March 1st. The solemn inauguration ceremony took place in the Finnish Parliament, as reported by Helsingin Sanomat.
In his first address to the Parliament, he expressed support for peace and national unity. “I, Cai-Göran Alexander Stubb, elected by the people of Finland as the President of the Republic, declare that in my role as president, I will sincerely and conscientiously uphold the constitution and laws of the republic, and I will do everything in my power to promote the success of the Finnish people. The main task of the president of the republic is to ensure the preservation of peace in Finland under any circumstances. I promise to do so, but when the situation becomes difficult, I am also ready to make tough decisions to guarantee the security of our country,” Stubb stated during the oath.
According to him, the full-scale invasion of Russia into Ukraine marked the end of the post-Cold War era. He sees Finland’s main tasks as further integration into NATO and maintaining peace in a country situated next to an aggressive Russia.
After taking the oath, Alexander Stubb proceeded to the State Hall of the Presidential Palace, where he was addressed by the Prime Minister of Finland, Petteri Orpo. He noted that the newly elected president assumes office in times of uncertainty.
“Ukraine needs our help. Western values are being tested, and major powers are reshaping their positions,” emphasized Petteri Orpo.
Following his meeting with the Prime Minister, Alexander Stubb delivered a speech to diplomats from various countries present at the inauguration. In his address, the newly elected president called for further support for Ukraine. Stubb noted that “Ukraine is fighting for all of us” and that Russia is attempting to deal a deadly blow to liberalism in the world.
Former Finnish Prime Minister Alexander Stubb won the presidential election runoff, which took place on February 11th. Stubb defeated his opponent, Pekka Haavisto, with a result of 51.6% to 48.4% of the votes and became the thirteenth head of the Finnish Republic.
During his election campaign, Stubb stated that he sees no obstacles to Finland’s NATO membership and is willing to allow the transportation of nuclear weapons through the country’s territory, although not to keep them there.
Stubb replaced the former president, Sauli Niinistö, who stepped down after two six-year terms.
Read also: European Parliament passes resolution urging support for Ukraine with arms until victory
