"Alexander Stubb Elected President of Finland in Close Race"

Former Prime Minister Alexander Stubb is poised to become Finland's next president after claiming victory in the presidential runoff election with around 52.3% of the votes, while his rival, Green party lawmaker Pekka Haavisto, conceded defeat with 47.9%. Both candidates, former Finnish foreign ministers, emphasized foreign policy, particularly regarding NATO and Russia, with Stubb advocating for permanent troop deployment and allowing nuclear weapons to be transported through Finland, while Haavisto opposes permanent NATO troop presence and maintains a strict ban on nuclear weapons. Stubb also pledged no relations with Russia's leadership until the war in Ukraine ceases, as Finland's NATO membership has prompted tensions with Russia, including a surge in migrants crossing the border last summer, which Finland attributes to Kremlin efforts to destabilize the new NATO member.