The 2024 Finnish race for president continues. The numbers from the first round are in and former PM Alexander Stubb and third-time runner Pekka Haavisto will face off in the second round on February 11th. In this first round, Stubb received 27.7 percent of the votes while Haavisto came close second with 25.8 percent.
The presidential election of 2024 is more than a political ritual; it’s a critical juncture for Finland. Known for stability, social welfare, and technological innovation, Finland now tests the resilience of its political system, influenced by recent fragile coalition governments. This is the first time Finns vote since joining NATO, turning the campaign spotlight on security and its relationship with Russia.
Unlike other nations, the President holds power over international affairs. For that reason, the campaign and debates have so far been focused on security. We expect the upcoming weeks to remain the same. The question remains on who the voters of Jussi Halla-aho and Olli Rehn will back up moving forward. We have already written about these two candidates, yet in this piece we will recap once again to better understand their profiles as this campaign continues.
Pekka Haavisto: a seasoned politician with a green heart
Pekka Haavisto stands out with his experience and dedication to environmental and humanitarian causes. Haavisto’s journey into national politics started with his affiliation with the Green League where. He was elected as the party’s first Member of Parliament in 1987. He played a crucial role in shaping the Green movement in Finland as the Minister of the Environment from 1995 to 1999. During his tenure, he started the debate in Finland on the relevance of policies addressing climate change, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development.
In 2012, Haavisto made history by becoming the first openly gay candidate to run for the Finnish presidency. Running as an independent candidate with the support of the Green League, Haavisto’s campaign garnered significant attention in a country where being green and gay is still a first in the Presidential seat. Although he narrowly lost in the runoff against Sauli Vainamo Niinistö, Haavisto’s candidacy was hailed as a groundbreaking moment, reflecting the evolving inclusivity of Finnish politics.
After his presidential run, he served as the Minister for International Development in the Finnish government. This led to a role as the Chair of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Governing Council. He ran again in 2018 against a very popular Niinistö where he felt short and came second. However, officially he returned to domestic politics as the Minister for Foreign Affairs in 2019. This marked a pivotal moment for Finland’s foreign policy, where he signed the application for Finland to join NATO in 2022.
As a member of the Suomen eduskunta (Finnish parliament), he announced his third run for the presidency. He has been praised for his role pushing for NATO membership. This has pushed his numbers in the polls and positioned him head to head with Stubb. His campaign has been backed up by a series of large names from the entertainment, academy and business sectors. A strategy that is giving him a lot of visibility as he has ambassadors spreading his message.
In a polarised society, where Stubb represents a moderate and conservative liberal ideology, Haavisto can be seen as a candidate more focused on social justice, and humanitarian causes, which distinguishes him as a candidate driven by values. His advocacy for marginalised communities and dedication to resolving conflicts align with the principles that are integral to the Finnish identity. As Finland continues to evolve, Haavisto’s leadership style promotes an inclusive vision for the nation, resonating with citizens seeking representation that mirrors the diverse fabric of Finnish society.
Alexander Stubb: the promise of stability and continuity
With a career spanning decades and a reputation as a pragmatic and forward-thinking leader, Stubb brings a wealth of experience to the forefront of the political discourse. Stubb’s political career gained momentum when he was elected as a Member of the European Parliament in 2004. Yet, his rise within the Finnish political landscape was rapid after a short time in Brussels.
In 2008, he was appointed as Finland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, which coincided with a period of global economic uncertainty and shifting geopolitical dynamics. Stubb navigated these challenges adeptly, earning a reputation as a skilled diplomat and advocate for Finnish interests on the international stage and a rising star among the EPP family. Upon his job at the ministry Stubb also served as Minister for European Affairs and Foreign Trade.
The most defining moment for Alexander Stubb’s political career came in 2014 when he assumed the role of the Prime Minister of Finland. Leading the government during a series of reforms aimed at bolstering the Finnish economy. His economic policies focused on conservative liberal measures to enhance competitiveness, reduce public spending, and stimulate growth through innovation and entrepreneurship. Despite facing criticism for the implementation of austerity measures, Stubb maintained that reforms were necessary to ensure long-term economic sustainability in the middle of a global economic crisis.
Owning a reputation for keeping the boat afloat while the global economy was in chaos, Stubb served as the Vice President of the European Investment Bank (EIB). He lost the EPP’s lead candidate to become head of the European Commission to Manfred Weber in 2018. Yet, this led him to take the academic path of becoming the Director of the European University Institute.
As Brexit negotiations unfolded, Stubb emerged as a vocal commentator on the process. His insights into the complexities of the European Union and its relationship with the United Kingdom highlighted his nuanced understanding of the intricacies of international relations.
Stubb’s party, the National Coalition, has been holding the presidency of Finland for the last two terms. In 2024, after considering other names, the party asked Stubb to accept the nomination to become the candidate to continue with the work and agenda of the current President, Sauli Niinistö. Stubb’s diplomatic background and experience in managing foreign relations contribute to this nomination, considering the role that Finland is expected to play as a NATO member.
All eyes will be on Alexander Stubb and the vision he presents for the next chapter in Finland’s democratic journey.
Stay tuned for in-depth insights as we come closer to the end of this interesting presidential race.