The new Finnish President Alexander Stubb said on Friday that he was ready to make
“difficult decisions”
to ensure the security of his country, which has experienced tensions with Russia since its accession to NATO last year.
“The main task of the President of the Republic is to ensure in all circumstances the maintenance of peace in Finland
,” Stubb said during his inauguration speech to Parliament.
“I am committed to this, but in the event of difficulties, I am also ready to make difficult decisions to ensure the security of our country
,” he added.
Cooperation
The Finnish head of state, elected for six years, directs the country's foreign policy in close cooperation with the government.
Its role has grown in importance since the war in Ukraine and the entry into NATO of Finland, which shares 1,340 kilometers of border with Russia, in April 2023.
At the end of August, Finland faced an influx of migrants on its eastern border, accusing Moscow of orchestrating a migration crisis on its doorstep.
Helsinki closed its border with its neighbor in November, a measure planned until at least April 14 and supported by Stubb.
“The post-Cold War era is over. It ended with Russia's attack on Ukraine
,” the new president said.
“What was supposed to bring us together, free movement, trade, technology, energy, information and currency, is tearing us apart.
The tools of cooperation have been militarized.
At the same time, cooperation in Europe has been strengthened, and that is a good thing
,” Stubb added.
Former conservative prime minister, Alexander Stubb succeeds Sauli Niinistö, elected in 2012 and reputed to be the European leader to have spoken most regularly with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Niinistö had contacted him directly to announce the decision to join NATO.