Finland Prepares for Presidential Election Amid Shift in Foreign Policy

The Nordic nation faces a new era as it braces for a presidential vote, following a major shift in its foreign and defense policy, strained relations with China, and increased defense spending.

• Finland is preparing for a presidential election following a shift in its foreign policy, which saw the country join NATO and the US replace Russia at the center of its foreign and defense policy.
• Relations with China have become strained after a Chinese cargo vessel damaged the Baltic Connector gas pipeline and data cables in the Gulf of Finland, raising suspicions of Russian-Chinese collusion.
• Finland's defense spending is set to reach 2.3 percent of GDP, surpassing NATO's recommended minimum for the first time, and will fund a 'smart fence' along its border equipped with sensors and drones.
• The two frontrunners in the presidential race, former premier Alexander Stubb and former Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto, are both trying to emulate outgoing President Sauli Niinistö, who has enjoyed popularity ratings over 90 percent since 2021.
• Key issues for the next president include whether to hand Ukraine its ageing F-18 Hornets once its F-35s become operational, whether to allow nuclear weapons on Finnish soil, and whether to abolish military neutrality for Aland, an autonomous cluster of islands belonging to Finland.

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