On Sunday, Finnish voters will choose between two experienced politicians as the country’s new president.

The winner’s main task will be to guide the foreign and security policy of the new NATO member, at a time when Russia is invading Ukraine.

Former Prime Minister Alexander Stubb, from the center right, faces former Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto, from the Green Left.

The two largely agree on Finland’s foreign and security policy priorities. These include maintaining a hard line towards Russia – which shares an extensive 1340 km border with Finland –, strengthening security ties with the US and Washington and helping Ukraine.

Contrary to what happens in most European countries, the president of Finland holds executive power in formulating foreign and security policy.

The president of Finland has executive power to manage foreign and security policy, particularly with regard to relations with countries outside the European Union, such as the United States, Russia and China.

The head of state also commands the armed forces, which is particularly important in the current security context in Europe and the changing geopolitical situation in Finland, which joined NATO in April 2023.

Two of the favorites made it to the second round

A politician from the conservative National Coalition party, Stubb came first in the first round of elections, on January 28, with 27.2% of the vote, ahead of the other eight candidates. He is the favorite to win the presidency.

Stubb led the government in 2014-2015 and previously held a number of other Government roles.

Haavisto, second in the first round, was Finland’s top diplomat between 2019-2023 and the main negotiator for its entry into NATO. A former conflict mediator at the United Nations and a devout environmentalist, Haavisto won 25.8% of the vote in the first round.

The second round was necessary because none of the candidates received more than half of the votes in the January 28th round.

More than 4 million people are eligible to vote. The winner will succeed popular President Sauli Niinistö, whose second six-year term ends in March.

Niinistö is not eligible for re-election.