Govt bids farewell to outgoing President

The government on Friday accorded a farewell reception to outgoing President Sauli Niinistö, who is scheduled to conclude his two six-year terms at the end of this month.

The government held a special session and thanked Niinistö for the excellent cooperation during his terms in office, said a government press release.

“There has been a great deal of turmoil in Finland and around the world. These uncertain times have called for foreign and security policy leadership and the ability to act. Finland’s security policy position as a NATO member is better today than ever before,” said Prime Minister Petteri Orpo on the occasion.

The government paid tribute to Niinistö by presenting him with one of the flags flown in honour of Finland’s centenary.

The gift is one of the hundred Finnish flags hoisted at the official opening ceremony of the centenary of Finland’s independence at the Market Square in Helsinki on December 5, 2017. The President took part in the hoisting of the flags at the ceremony.

The government also presented the President with a storage box for the flag. Its wooden parts are made from pieces of the 18th-century wooden boards left over from repairs to the windows on the Ritarikatu side of the Government Palace.

Niinistö took office in 2012 and has served as President of Finland for two terms. During his time in office, Niinistö worked with governments led by six different prime ministers.