Mr Stubb, a pro-European and strong supporter of Ukraine, declared himself the winner of the runoff vote after winning 51.6% of the vote with 99.7% of the ballots counted, compared to 48.4% for his opponent Haavisto, according to data from the Finnish Ministry of Justice.
Finland's new head of state will be responsible for its security and foreign policy. In a televised speech, Mr Stubb called his victory the "greatest honour" of his life.
Alexander Stubb of the National Coalition Party (NCP) attends an election reception in Helsinki, Finland, February 11, 2024. Photo: REUTERS
“It feels calm, humble, but of course at the same time I am extremely happy and grateful that such a large number of Finns voted for me as President of the Republic of Finland,” he said.
Pekka Haavisto conceded defeat and congratulated Stubb on becoming the "13th President of Finland". He said: "I believe that Finland now has a good president for the republic. Alexander Stubb is an experienced and capable person for this job...".
Mr Stubb will have a central role in defining Finland's NATO policies, while leading overall foreign and security policy in close cooperation with the government and acting as commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
“A warm congratulations to Alexander Stubb. Finland is our close friend and partner,” Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said in a post on X.
Mr. Stubb supports deepening NATO cooperation, such as allowing nuclear weapons to be transported through Finnish soil and having some NATO troops permanently stationed in Finland. However, he does not support storing nuclear weapons in Finland.
Mai Van (according to Reuters, CNA)
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