Finns choose Ahtisaari as their new president
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.HELSINKI (Reuter) - The veteran diplomat Martti Ahtisaari, of the opposition Social Democratic Party, won Finland's presidential election yesterday. Mr Ahtisaari, 56, will take office on 1 March when President Mauno Koivisto steps down after two six-year terms.
The Defence Minister, Elisabeth Rehn, of the Swedish People's Party, conceded defeat in the country's first presidential election by direct popular vote. 'I admit that there is a winner whose name is Martti Ahtisaari,' Ms Rehn said.
With 99 per cent of the ballot papers counted, Mr Ahtisaari had 53.8 per cent of the votes against 46.2 per cent for Ms Rehn, Finnish television reported.
Ms Rehn, 58, hugged and congratulated Mr Ahtisaari in front of the television cameras.
'I hope that those who voted for Elisabeth Rehn will give me their support in this difficult task,' Mr Ahtisaari said. 'The incoming president will have difficult tasks both in economic and foreign policy. It is important that the nation is not split,' he added. 'I will try to see to it that I am perceived as a president for the whole country.'
Mr Ahtisaari, a former UN under-secretary general, is strongly in favour of Finland's plans to join the European Union next year. He also stresses the importance of good relations with neighbouring Russia, saying it must not be isolated in the new Europe.
Mr Ahtisaari and Ms Rehn led nine other candidates in the election's first round on 16 January, but both failed to win the 50 per cent needed to avoid a second and decisive round.
The main responsibility of the Finnish president is for foreign policy, but the election campaign has largely focused on the country's economic difficulties.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments