Finland has a new president, Alexander Stubb, who emerged victorious after a tight race against left-wing Green politician Pekka Haavisto. Stubb, a member of the right-wing National Coalition Party, is known for his liberal views and internationalist stance. He is pro-Europe, supports marriage equality, and is fluent in several languages, including Finnish, Swedish, English, French, and German. Stubb’s diverse background includes serving as party leader, prime minister, foreign minister, and an MEP in Brussels. He even attended university in America on a golf scholarship, showcasing his athletic prowess.
One of Stubb’s primary goals as president is to unify the country. However, this may prove challenging as his party, Kokoomus, runs the coalition government with the far-right Finns. During the presidential election campaign, controversial celebrities with homophobic posts and politicians with racism-related convictions openly supported Stubb. A Finnish study revealed that 40% of Stubb’s supporters would not vote for his rival Haavisto because of his sexual orientation. Additionally, 30% of Finnish voters admitted considering a candidate’s sexuality when casting their ballot. These statistics highlight the significant task of unifying a polarized nation.
Stubb is no stranger to social media and has always been an avid user. He is known for taking selfies with supporters, especially celebrities. Despite the risks involved, Stubb believes in using social media as a spontaneous channel of communication. He manages his own account and acknowledges that he has faced backlash in the past. However, he remains committed to utilizing social media to connect with the public.
In 2018, Stubb tweeted a photo with his “old friend and colleague” Sergei Lavrov, which has since received criticism. He apologized for labeling those who opposed Russian investment in a Finnish nuclear power plant as “Russophobes.” This incident serves as a reminder that political figures must be cautious with their words, especially in today’s interconnected world.
One aspect Stubb must address is his perceived arrogance and entitlement. Critics have accused him of having an attitude problem in the past. However, during this campaign, he made a conscious effort to appear measured and collegial with his opponents. It is crucial for Stubb to maintain this demeanor throughout his six-year term, as many political observers doubt his chances of running for a second term.
Stubb faces the challenge of following in the footsteps of President Sauli Niinistö, who enjoyed high approval ratings during his 12-year tenure. The Finnish presidency gained renewed attention due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Finland’s NATO accession talks. While Stubb is known for his charisma and media presence, he must also fulfill mundane presidential obligations away from the spotlight. It is essential for him to demonstrate equal enthusiasm for engaging with pensioners over afternoon coffee, touring factories, and visiting military garrisons.
Stubb’s commitment to both domestic and international matters will be tested. In 2011, he was caught on an open mic referring to a meeting of Nordic foreign ministers as “shit,” which drew criticism from his delegation’s deputy. Stubb must show equal dedication to both the exciting world stage and the less glamorous aspects of his role.
As Finland’s new president, Alexander Stubb has a challenging task ahead of him. He must navigate a divided nation, address concerns about his party’s coalition with the far-right, and overcome perceptions of arrogance. Stubb’s international experience and fluency in multiple languages will undoubtedly serve him well on the global stage. However, he must also prioritize the more mundane aspects of the presidency and connect with everyday citizens. Only time will tell if Stubb can successfully unite Finland and leave a lasting impact on the country’s political landscape.