Radio | News week in plain Finnish | Saturday 2 March 2024

The president of Finland changed.

The topic of the news week is the change of the Finnish president.

Alexander Stubb is now the President of the Republic of Finland. On Friday, there was a ceremony where the position of the president of the republic was passed to Alexander Stubb. At the same time, Sauli Niinistö’s presidential term ended.

We will now tell you more about the change of president.

Subbi’s presidency began

President of the Republic Alexander Stubb. Image: Lehtikuva

Alexander Stubb is now the president of the Republic of Finland.

On Friday, there was a ceremony in the parliament building where Stubb took on the role of president. There were also celebrations at the Presidential Palace. Finnish state leadership and, for example, diplomats were present.

Sauli Niinistö thanked the government, civil servants and the people of Finland for the past years.

Alexander Stubb and Sauli Niinistö also gave a speech.

Stubb’s speech

Photo: Silja Viitala / Yle

President Alexander Stubb said in his speech that Finland must work for peace. Russia’s attack on Ukraine changed the world and Finland is now a member of the defense alliance NATO.

Alexander Stubb emphasized cooperation. He said that Finland has important allies in the European Union and NATO.

Stubb considers it important that people in Finland also cooperate. Stubb said people need to listen to other people.

As president, Stubb promised to talk to people and defend democracy and the rule of law.

Niinistö’s speech

Photo: Benjamin Suomela / Yle

So Sauli Niinistö’s presidential term is over.

Niinistö gave a speech in which he thanked the Prime Minister and the government. Niinistö said that things are fine in Finland. Niinistö continued that Finland has remained strong, even though there are many wars in the world.

Niinistö also emphasized that cooperation is important for Finland. Niinistö said that a small country cannot afford to quarrel.

Repeat

The topic of the news week was that the president of Finland has changed. Let’s repeat the most important things. Alexander Stubb is now the President of the Republic of Finland. He started work on Friday. At the same time, Sauli Niinistö’s presidential term ended. Stubb said he is a president who talks and listens to other people.

This was Uutisviikko in plain Finnish, see you again. Goodbye!