Presidential inauguration on 1 March 2006

Office of the President of the Republic of Finland Press Release 14 February 2006

The President of the Republic will be inaugurated on Wednesday, 1 March 2006. The President will make the solemn affirmation prescribed in section 56 of the Constitution before Parliament at 12 noon. The Speaker will respond and then the President will address Parliament. On leaving the President will inspect the honour guard in front of Parliament at about 12.30.

The President will then return to the Presidential Palace, where she will wave to citizens from the balcony. Members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the Government and high-level officials will present their congratulations and best wishes at the Presidential Palace.

The public can watch the inspection of the honour guard in front of Parliament from Mannerheimintie at about 12.30 and can see President Halonen and Dr Arajärvi on the balcony at the Presidential Palace from the Market Place and Pohjoisesplanadi at about 12.45.

The congratulations book will be open to the public on Wednesday, 1 October from 10am-4pm in the lobby of the main guard house at Mariankatu 1 and on Thursday, 2 October from 10am-4pm in the lobby of the Presidential Palace at Mariankatu 2.

The presidential inauguration will be broadcast live on YLE TV1, YLE24 and Radio Suomi.