The 13th President of the Republic of Finland, Alexander Stubb, made a solemn affirmation before Parliament when he took office on Friday 1 March 2024.
In his inauguration address, President Stubb said that internationally, Finland punches above its weight: “By our example and modus operandi we can contribute to what the new world order will become like. We are a reliable partner with countries in all directions, but we will always put our values and interests first. And the best way to do that is by means of active and constructive participation in the international arena.“
In his speech, President Stubb said that the post-cold war era is over. “It ended with Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The things that were supposed to bring us together – interdependence, trade, technology, energy, information, and currency – are now tearing us apart. The instruments of cooperation have been weaponised. At the same time, the cooperation within Europe has further intensified And that is good.”
President Stubb said that the international institutions and rules we are used to are now being called to challenge. It takes time to build a new world order. We will see regionalization of power as well as unholy alliances, in other words, a kind of an à la carte world, where allies are cherry-picked. We must remain alert.”
According to President Stubb, the main duty of the President of the Republic is to ensure that peace is maintained in Finland under all circumstances. President Ahtisaari’s legacy must also be carried on around the world: “Whenever we are given an opportunity to mediate peace, we will be ready for it. Alongside diplomacy, another critical element of maintaining peace is the readiness and capabilities of the Finnish Defence Forces.”
“I will now set off to promote the success of our nation with all my vigour and determination. I promise to work for an open, safe and international Finland. I promise to defend democracy, the freedom of speech and the rule of law in all situations. I promise to listen, discuss and care. I promise to fight to ensure that Finland will remain a good country in the future as well – the best country in the world for us Finns.”
Solemn affirmation
Before President Stubb’s inauguration speech, the outgoing President of the Republic of Finland, Sauli Niinistö, addressed the Parliament, and Jussi Halla-aho, Speaker of Parliament responded. The incoming President of the Republic of Finland, Alexander Stubb, then made a solemn affirmation in accordance with section 56 of the Constitution of Finland.
“I, Cai-Göran Alexander Stubb, elected by the people of Finland as the President of the Republic, hereby affirm that in my presidential duties I shall sincerely and conscientiously observe the Constitution and the laws of the Republic, and to the best of my ability promote the wellbeing of the people of Finland.”
After the plenary session, President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb inspected the Guard of Honour in front of the Parliament Building.
The Presidents then returned to the Presidential Palace, where they and their spouses greeted the public from the Palace balcony.
At the Presidential Palace, the Diplomatic Corps, the Government, representatives of the highest state bodies and the most senior public officials took leave of President Sauli Niinistö, before greeting President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb. The address of the Diplomatic Corps was delivered by its Dean, Ambassador of Croatia Josip Buljević and Prime Minister Petteri Orpo made a speech on behalf of the Government.
A Book of Congratulations for the inaugurated President was opened for the public to sign on Friday 1 March. On Saturday 2 March, the Book of Congratulations was open for messages and best wishes from 10 to 16 at the Presidential Palace.
- Speech by President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb to the representatives of the highest state bodies and the most senior public officials of the central government on 1 March 2024
- Address to the Diplomatic Corps by President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb on 1 March 2024
- Photo gallery of inauguration
- Video recording: Press Conference by President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb on 1 March 2024 (In Finnish and partly in Swedish)
