Alexander Stubb has been sworn in as the 13th President of Finland.
The 55-year-old former Prime Minister replaced Sauli Niinisto, who held the presidential position for two six-year terms.
In the inauguration ceremony in parliament, Stubb took his oath in Finnish and Swedish; Finland’s two official languages.
The President of Finland holds executive power in formulating foreign and security policy together with the government.
The President also commands the military.
In a speech during the ceremony, Stubb hailed a new era in foreign policy.
“We are now facing a new era,” Stubb said.
“As a result of allying ourselves militarily and joining NATO we have taken the final step into the Western community of values, where the Republic of Finland has belonged to in spirit throughout its independence,” he added.
Stubb asserted that regionalization of power as well as “unholy alliances” will be experienced, adding, “In other words, a kind of an à la carte world, where allies are cherry-picked. We must remain alert.”
“Finland’s foreign and security policy is founded on value-based realism. Its starting point is a strong alliance with the European Union and NATO. At the same time, it is based on the belief that the foundation of the new international system and peace lies in reforming and strengthening the UN.”
Alexander Stubb
Finland, which has a land border with Russia, joined as the 31st member of NATO last year in response to Moscow’s war on Ukraine.
Its neighbor, Sweden, is also in the final stages of accession into the alliance.
Stubb also said that Finland will do well as a nation if it remains united.
He noted, “Thanks to unity, we have had the ability to react at turning points in history in a unified, fast and firm manner.”
“For my part, I want to nurture and strengthen this unity,” Stubb added.
Stubb promised to work with “vigour and determination” for an “open, safe and international Finland.”
“I promise to defend democracy, the freedom of speech and the rule of law in all situations. I promise to listen, discuss and care. I promise to fight to ensure that Finland will remain a good country in the future as well – the best country in the world for us Finns.”
Alexander Stubb
Moreso, Stubb asserted that even though the world seems to be in “chaos right now,” Finns should not despair.
He added, “Fear is the worst possible guiding principle in foreign policy.”
He said that working together globally is necessary, otherwise “we cannot mitigate climate change, solve conflicts, boost the economy, enhance well-being or manage immigration.”
Finland Built On Values
Finland’s now former President, Sauli Niinisto made an address to MPs and others gathered in the plenary chamber before Stubb was officially sworn in.
“This country has indeed been built upon certain values,” he said.
He listed the values as “trust in ourselves and in others, upon taking responsibility for ourselves and others, each according to our ability, and upon having a sense of what’s right and wrong.”
He later thanked his nation for its trust
Niinisto, who oversaw Finland’s NATO membership, asserted that “everything will keep on changing,” requiring “flexible and rapid ability to adapt oneself.”
However, he added that a lot will also remain unchanged.
“The human mind, that is. Diplomacy is still also a solo sport that requires discretion. That way even small countries can get their voice heard,” the former leader said.
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