On February 11, the second round of presidential elections is held in Finland. Former Prime Minister Alexander Stubb and former Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto are competing for the highest position.
What is known about the second round of presidential elections in Finland
The results of the first round of presidential elections were announced on January 28.
Former Prime Minister and candidate from the "Coalition Party" Alexander Stubb won in the first round, gaining 27.2% of the vote. The former head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pekka Haavisto, also made it to the second round with 25.8% of support.
The politician who receives the most votes in the second round will be appointed the next president of Finland on March 1, 2024.
What is known about the candidates
Alexander Stubb is a right-wing centrist who previously held the positions of Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. In 2017, he left politics and was not going to return, but Russia's invasion of Ukraine made him change his mind.
Pekka Haavisto is the founder of the center-left Green Party. He is a candidate for the post of president for the third time. He ran for parliament for the first time in 1987, and from 2019 to 2023 held the post of Minister of Foreign Affairs.
"Both are familiar faces with strong foreign policy experience," the New York Times described the candidates.
The media point out that Stubb has a better chance of winning the favor of voters who lean towards conservative values, while Haavisto, if he wins, will become the first openly gay president of Finland.
