As the 2024 Finnish race for president continues, we are digging into the profiles of the main candidates projected to be the favourites on the first round set for January 28th. We have already written about former PM Alexander Stubb and the current Speaker of the Finnish parliament, Jussi Halla-aho. This time, we examine the centrist and progressive alternatives: former European Commissioner Olli Rehn, and former Minister of Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto.
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.
Olli Rehn: an economic statesman with a vision
Olli Rehn, known for his economic expertise and roles in international governance, presents a platform centred on economic resilience and technological innovation. Rehn is another figure with a high-level profile (Governor of the Bank of Finland) willing to take the presidential seat.
Rehn is a career politician who joined the youth wing of the liberals in Finland at a young age and transitioned to the Finnish parliament while still in his twenties. His career as an elected official was quickly on the rise giving him roles as special adviser to the prime minister. Yet, it was a short-lived one. In the mid-nineties, he was not reelected but remained relevant in politics and academia with various roles in an advisory capacity.
Rehn’s entry into the international arena came through his appointment as a Member of the European Commission, where he served first as Commissioner for Enlargement and then as Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs. His work was celebrated nationally as he was portrayed as one of the architects of the EU economic recovery program during the global financial crisis. Following his role in the European Commission, Olli Rehn transitioned to domestic politics, securing a seat in the European Parliament in 2014.
In 2019, he was appointed the Minister of Economic Affairs under the liberal government. This was a short post of a year and a half which did not make him the most popular political figure in Finland, given that voters hardly feel connected to the ones leading fiscal cuts and recession plans. However, his policy proposals transformed the Finnish economy and earned him a place at the Bank of Finland which he still directs.
Rehn’s experience in enlargement and economic affairs makes him an ideal candidate on paper when the main topics driving voters are Russia and the economy. He offers a perspective shaped by years of statesmanship and economic expertise. However, his party underperformed in the last parliamentary election, so we’ll see if his agenda can win more voter sympathy than the one of his party.
A diverse and impactful election awaits us
The diversity of the candidates and their high level reflects the importance of this election. In the coming weeks, our coverage will focus on the evolving public discourse surrounding the election.
Stay tuned for in-depth insights as we explore the nuances of Finland’s presidential race, providing a comprehensive resource for those seeking to understand the potential impact on both the nation and the broader European context.