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.
Polls had predicted that the conservative Stubb would have a clearer lead before election day. 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 also plays a more active role in politics than in many other European countries.