Alexander Stubb has officially taken the helm as Finland's president, starting his term on March 1st. With the geopolitical landscape of Northern Europe undergoing rapid changes,
Stubb's presidency is expected to navigate Finland through these turbulent times, especially concerning its relationship with neighboring Russia and its stance towards the West.
In his first interview with the Finnish newspaper Iltalehti following his election victory, President Stubb was quick to address the nuanced and complex dynamics of Finland's foreign relations, especially with Russia.
"There is no direct lock and connection with the Kremlin at the moment. Then you have to think carefully about which direction to go. At the moment, the direction is quite clear. It's the west. We have to be a reliable operator in the west. We must be a reliable actor in NATO. We must have a strong bond with the United States and other Western allies," Stubb outlined, before also stating that there is currently no relationship with Russia at all.
As Finland continues to assert its sovereignty and security in the face of geopolitical pressures, Stubb's administration appears committed to enhancing Finland's role on the Western front.
"At the same time, we are a strategic competitor to the east, especially in the direction of China, and a good partner to the south," Stubb further elaborated on Finland's global positioning, highlighting a multifaceted approach to international relations.
In President Stubb's early remarks set a clear tone for Finland's foreign policy direction under his leadership. With an emphasis on solidifying bonds with the West while navigating the complex geopolitical landscape of Europe and beyond, Stubb's presidency marks a pivotal moment for Finland as it seeks to strengthen its position on the global stage.
