Niinistö urges parties to maintain readiness for quick alliance for govt

President Sauli Niinistö on Wednesday urged the political parties to maintain readiness for quick collaboration right from the start of the new electoral period, even before the new government is formed.

Speaking at the closing session of the national parliament, he also hoped that the new Parliament will start its work in a NATO member state.

“The ongoing election campaign has been passionate and even sharp-tongued. Perhaps that is just a sign of the times. But in a multi-party system, it would be advisable to remember that no party can form the strong government we need on its own, not even with just one or two partners. And, particularly in a time like this, it is especially important to maintain readiness for quick collaboration right from the start of the new electoral period, even before the new government is formed. That is why it is good to keep the seeds of reconciliation ready,” said Niinistö.

He said this Parliament will go down in history for having applied for NATO membership and for adopting it.

“It was extremely important that the whole Parliament was fully informed and given a clear understanding of what taking that step means. And that we took that step together,” said the President.

He said that Finland did its own share for the NATO membership from start to finish during this electoral period.

“Now, in the light of the last ratification processes, it seems that the new Parliament will start its work in a NATO member state,” he added.

He, however said that it should be kept in mind that joining NATO does not make Finland bigger than it is.

“The membership brings considerable security, but it is not all-encompassing. The strong Finnish will continues to be needed. The will to live in peace, and the will to hold on to what is ours,” the President said.

Pointing out changing model in the world and the unknown position of the possible relationship between the United States and China, he said that conflicts between the great power cannot be avoided completely.

“It is clear that we cannot totally avoid conflicts between the great powers. But a strict division of the world in blocs cannot be in anyone’s best interest, let alone an open confrontation between the blocs,” said Niinistö.

He also spoke on the Russia´s invasion attack of Ukraine and vowed to continue support for Ukraine.

“The full-scale war in Europe has left its mark on all of us. It has also hardened us, both our minds and the way we speak. Of course, firmness is something we need. We must continue our support for Ukraine. And we must also continue our determined efforts to strengthen and secure our own defence capability,” said the President.

He said that it is true for every war that, at the latest once the guns have finally gone silent, diplomacy is needed again – no matter how deep the division line to be bridged. Otherwise, no matter how hard the sacrifices required to attain peace, that peace will not last.

“I want to emphasise that by this I do not refer to any sudden solution to the war in Ukraine. A just peace there can only be one which Ukraine itself considers justified. When the time comes, the international community must secure that this peace is a lasting one. At the moment, however, such a peace is nowhere in sight. We must be prepared for Ukraine’s defensive battle to continue for a long time to come,” he added.