President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb visited Tampere on Wednesday 18 September 2024.
President Stubb began his visit with an inspection of the Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command, followed by an introduction to its operations. The President was briefed on how the material capabilities of the Defence Forces are built and maintained.
“When you have seen how our authorities work, how pragmatically and systematically the entire logistics of the Finnish Defence Forces function and how our security of supply is guaranteed, then you can sleep peacefully at night,” said President Stubb.
The President also pointed out that although one door has been closed, that is trade with Russia, the current security situation allows for industrial and economic growth in Finland. “One of its driving forces will be the defence industry.”
After the inspection visit, President Stubb had lunch at the Tampere City Hall with the management of the City of Tampere and representatives of defence industry companies operating in the area. The focus of the lunch discussion was the Finnish defence industry in a new and changing environment. The lunch was hosted by Mayor Kalervo Kummola.
In the afternoon, President Stubb visited Tampere University, where he delivered a speech on geopolitics and the changing world order. After his speech, the President held a discussion with students led by Hiski Haukkala, Professor of International Politics at Tampere University.
The President gave the students some tips for their studies: “Have an open and curious mind, always challenge yourself intellectually. Think, rethink, be wrong, find a new solution.”
In addition, the President reflected on the impact of modern technology on our patience and concentration. In a hectic world, it is important to find time for yourself without any smart devices and even without other people.
“Just get into a text, think for yourself and I’m sure your academic experience will be fine,” he assured.
The programme continued at the Adult Education Centre of the Tampere Region, where the President participated in a panel discussion on culture as a resource for society. The discussion was chaired by Sampo Terho, Director of Culture of the City of Tampere.
“I have always seen culture as a powerful mental resource and part of our security of supply, both for me personally and for us as a nation,” the President said. “Culture as a social investment pays for itself many times over,” he added.
The other panelists were Anna Hjorth-Röntynen, Director of Sara Hildén Art Museum, Mikko Kanninen, Director of Tampere Theatre and Rosa Meriläinen, Secretary General of the Central Organisation for Finnish Culture and Arts KULTA.
At the end of the day, the President visited the high-tech company Insta Group, where he was given a presentation of new innovations in defence technology. Insta Group has been a strategic partner of the Finnish Defence Forces since 2015. The aim of the co-operation is to ensure national security of supply.
