In a crucial election, Finns are casting their votes to choose the next president tasked with steering the country’s foreign and security policies as a new NATO member neighboring Russia.
 Former Prime Minister Alexander Stubb and former Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto, the leading candidates, share common ground on key priorities, including maintaining a tough stance on Moscow, strengthening ties with Washington, and supporting Ukraine both militarily and civically.
The election holds significance as Finland, with its 1,340-kilometer border with Russia, faces a changed geopolitical landscape after joining NATO in 2023 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Unlike most European countries, Finland’s president wields executive power in shaping foreign and security policies, particularly regarding nations outside the EU.
Stubb, a conservative National Coalition Party member, leads the race, having secured 27.2% of votes in the first round. Haavisto, a green left candidate, is his main competitor, with a runoff required as neither candidate received over half the votes. The winner will succeed President Sauli Niinistö, marking a pivotal transition in Finland’s leadership against the backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions.
