Global peace has continued to ebb away, with wars and insecurity bedeviling us. While we are still grappling with the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, the Israel-Palestine decades-long conflict resurrected again, and this time, it’s more deadly than ever. Countries around the world are placing great emphasis on solidifying and protecting their borders and budgeting more money for defense.
Finland will be heading to the presidential poll on January 28, 2024, amidst growing tensions in the Baltic states and severed relations with Russia. Finland’s president wields significant power in areas such as foreign and security policy. The election comes after Finland joined the NATO military alliance in April, in a historic policy shift brought on by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The dramatic move drew a threat from Moscow.
There are several candidates who would be flying their party’s flag during the January election, but one man is changing the narrative with his no-party candidacy, unprecedented popularity, and genuine support. That man is Mika Aaltola, a seasoned political scientist and the director of the Finnish Institute of International Affairs. He became more popular with his discourse on the Russian invasion of Ukraine and Finland joining NATO. He joined the likes of Pekka Haavisto and Olli Rehn as candidates without party affiliation. To be able to stand as an independent candidate, it is required by law that a candidate must collect a minimum of 20,000 supporter cards, but for Aaltola, he effortlessly collected some 25,000 supporters cards already.
On the fundamental principles of Finland’s foreign and security policies that align with the new era, Aaltola noted that Finland is now a NATO member, and having a strong role in NATO requires rampant defense fundamentalism. Deterrence is now a key aspect of Finland’s Russia policy. Solid deterrence is required for peace. Finland is now a North Atlantic Treaty country, and its transatlantic relationship is paramount for Nordic security. NATO’s primary focus areas are Russia and terrorism. For Finland, Russia is the only geopolitical foe. Finland is increasingly defined by its long border with Russia. Now, Russia’s policy is defined by its defense and deterrence policies. Finland has always been and will continue to be a strong supporter of the global order based on agreed-upon rules.
Mika Aaltola, Finnish foreign policy expert and Presidential candidate
Aaltola, who is among the top favorites to succeed Sauli Niinistö opined that his rise to fame is tied to the fact that many Finns are empathic towards an outsider who has long experience in foreign relations. His non-partisan status attracts interest from all sides and has always been the most trusted expert since last year, according to a survey. This trust spilled over into political trust.
He promises to utilize his 30 years of experience in foreign policy for a Finland that will be devoid of insecurity and threats. Aaltola, with his independent outsider perspective, has focused for the past years on understanding Finnish foreign policy practices and has been giving meaningful policy advice as well.
Regarding his position on the immigration crackdown vis-à-vis the proposed anti-immigrant policies, which many experts describe as counterproductive, Aaltola stated that the border, of course, means something. Yet, the focus should be on the resources for the solid integration of people who come to Finland. The lack of integration is the Achilles heel of the present system, he added.
Finland is aiming to diversify, deepen, and strengthen its relations with African countries, the African Union (AU), and regional organizations with the Finland Africa strategy that was initiated two years ago. Aaltola pointed out that Africa has huge economic potential. Finland has no colonial or imperialist legacies. For many African states, Finnish history is easy to understand. The great power competition is intensifying in Africa. Finland offers an alternative that is not ladden with self-interest, he added. People of foreign backgrounds who have the right to vote are enjoined to exercise their franchise.
The first round of Finland’s presidential election is due on January 28 next year. If none of the candidates wins more than 50% of the votes, a run-off between the top two contenders will be held on February 11.
