“I put my family first,” Orpo said during a press conference. “This work is demanding. It is also challenging for my family and loved ones. The fact that we got to be together was worth it. I would make that decision again.” Orpo sent Finnish President Alexander Stubb to the July summit and he was … Read more
Removing restrictions on Western arms is “a decision for each individual member state to take. It’s their responsibility. No one can force a member state to lift these limitations,” he said. On Tuesday, Macron said that Ukraine should only be allowed to hit Russian military bases being used for attacks. “We have to allow [Ukrainians] to … Read more
After attending school in Finland and later the U.S., Belgium and the U.K., Stubb entered politics in 2004 as a member of the European Parliament. He hit the Finnish big time in 2008 when — to his own surprise — he was named foreign minister. Praised by allies for his high-energy approach to politics, he was … Read more
Both second-round candidates are familiar figures in Brussels and capitals beyond. Stubb was an MEP before he became foreign minister and then premier, while Haavisto played a key role, alongside Niinistö, in preparing the way for Finland to join NATO last year. Analysts said the days leading up to the second round will be intense … Read more
HELSINKI — After seven years in the political wilderness, Alexander Stubb is closing in on a remarkable comeback and new top job: president of Finland. Ahead of a first round of voting this Sunday, Stubb has a 3-percentage-point lead in opinion polls over his nearest rival, Pekka Haavisto of the leftist Green League, who is in turn 6 points ahead of seven other candidates. In a likely runoff, surveys give Stubb of the … Read more
