Former Prime Minister Alexander Stubb becomes the new President of Finland. The 55-year-old narrowly defeated his opponent Pekka Haavisto in a runoff election for the presidency.
The new president will succeed the previous head of state Sauli Niinistö and will take office as scheduled on March 1st. Unlike in Germany, the president in Finland is elected directly by the people and he also plays a more active role in politics than in many other European countries. He is also Commander-in-Chief of the Finnish Armed Forces.