Niinistö considered that there is no direct military threat to Finland, but the situation is unlikely to affect the country, as the growing tensions at the Ukrainian border are reflected throughout Europe.
He stressed that no one can close their eyes to the situation.
He drew attention to the importance of internal trust in Finnish society. “Finland’s first and most important line of defense is inside national borders – and between the ears of the people who live here. We need to be able to trust each other, to trust us to the best of our abilities and abilities.
The President welcomed the launch of parliamentary co-operation to reform emergency powers “as a necessary initiative during this period”.
“However, the outside world and its events may not wait until we have our readiness and our condition in order. It is not wise to rush slowly in all things, ”he stressed.
Niinistö also called on lawmakers to ensure that newly established welfare service counties live up to their lofty name despite early challenges – that is, low turnout in the first provincial elections.
“Circumstances were not easy for both candidates and voters,” he admitted. “The new members of the provincial council will start their work to build welfare services. If and hopefully when, they succeed in their work, our well-being will improve. And where well-being improves, citizens also have more confidence and interest in common issues.
This is also ultimately the responsibility of Parliament, as the provinces are dependent on funding at the discretion of national legislators.
“Pressing a button in this hall does not bring money or wealth. Finland needs both economic growth and balanced public finances. One of the promises of health and social reform [which established the counties] was that it would help achieve the latter goal. We also have a right to expect it to keep its promise. “
Matti Pesusenior researcher at the Institute of Foreign Affairs, told me According to Helsingin Sanomat, the President continued his tradition of verbalizing international policies for Finns.
“His role has been to verbalize international politics for Finns, although we also have a foreign minister, defense minister and prime minister,” he said. “If we think about the message to the legislators, then the president stated that the situation also affects Finland, and no one can turn a blind eye to the situation. This emphasis can be considered significant.”
Aleksi Teivainen – HT