2024-03-01 16:29:00
Of the ” difficult decisions “. These are the words of the new Finnish President Alexander Stubb to describe the new security policy of his country, which has been experiencing tensions with Russia since its accession to NATO last year.
« The main task of the President of the Republic is to ensure the maintenance of peace in Finland in all circumstances. “, declared the leader during his inauguration speech in Parliament. Before adding:
« I am committed to this, but if difficulties arise, I am also prepared to make difficult decisions to ensure the security of our country. »
In his speech, the Finnish president also shared his geopolitical vision, where “ the post-Cold War era » ended when Russia attacked Ukraine, in February 2022. And to detail his thoughts on the subject:
« What was supposed to bring us together, free movement, trade, technology, energy, information and currency, is tearing us apart. The tools of cooperation have been militarized. At the same time, cooperation in Europe has been strengthened, and that is a good thing. »
Closed border and migratory tensions
Since the start of the war in Ukraine, relations between Finland and Russia, which share a huge 1,340 kilometer border, have deteriorated considerably. Finland, which repelled a Soviet invasion in the winter of 1939-1940, avoided joining NATO for decades for fear of antagonizing its neighbor.
Neutral during the Cold War (from 1955), the Scandinavian country finally decided to join the Atlantic alliance in April 2023. Concerned regarding its security, Helsinki decided to close its border with its Russian neighbor in November 2023. A measure scheduled until April 14, and supported by the new Finnish president.
Border closure with Russia: Putin speaks of “problem” with Finland
Last August, Finnish authorities had to deal with an influx of migrants on its eastern border, accusing Moscow of deliberately allowing an abnormal number of migrants to pass through. A process described as “ hybrid attack » by the Finnish Minister of the Interior, and which aims to destabilize the country.
Nearly a thousand asylum seekers, particularly from Somalia, Iraq and Yemen, have presented themselves at the border crossings between the two countries since the beginning of August. Anticipating that Russia would use migrants as political leverage, Finland also began building a 200-kilometer fence along its border with Russia.
A pro-NATO president
As a reminder, the Finnish head of state, elected for six years, directs the country’s foreign policy in close cooperation with the government. Its role has grown in importance since the war in Ukraine and the Scandinavian country’s entry into NATO.
War in Ukraine: Germany, the United States and NATO oppose sending Western troops
Former conservative Prime Minister, Alexander Stubb succeeded President Sauli Niinistö on Sunday February 11, with 51.6% of the vote. The latter was renowned for being the European leader to have spoken most regularly with Russian President Vladimir Putin. His successor Alexander Stubb, who has always been in favor of his country’s entry into NATO, is also in favor of strengthening sanctions once morest Russia.
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