Alexander Stubb delivered his first New Year's speech as President of the Republic of Finland on the first day of 2025.
The president began by referencing the recent events in the Baltic Sea, where damage to vital cables connecting Finland put the country in the international spotlight.
"Dear compatriots, we live in a time when our sense of security is shaken almost on a daily basis. We try to understand change, we seek security," he said.
Stubb commented on the tense geopolitical situation, and global struggle for power and said the international system is creaking at the seams in times when it is most needed.
However, Stubb emphasises that Finland's preparedness and security of supply are at an excellent level and that Finnish authorities can be trusted.
"But security is more than safety provided by the state. Security is also about culture and education. They protect us from hybrid influences and propaganda. They are also part of what I call mental security of supply"
In his speech, Stubb reiterates that Finland's support for Ukraine remains steadfast in the face of Russia's war of aggression. He also emphasised that there was no immediate threat of war to Finland.
"However, this does not mean that Russia has ceased to be the biggest threat to our security threat. It has been a threat before, and unfortunately, will continue to be one in the foreseeable future."
"My message today is clear. We are doing fine. We will build a good future together," he said."
"There is no place for racism in Finland"
Stubb said a person's worth is not determined by gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnic background, or age.
"Part of being Finn is caring for others, regardless of their background. There is no place for racism in Finland."
Stubb said trust is the most important glue keeping us together and that we must build a "Finland for all of us — everyone's Finland"
Stubb also addressed the economic challenges that Finland faces, the internal polarisation and worries about employment and personal finances weighing on people's minds.
'There is no silver bullet to strengthen the Finnish economy. Spending cuts alone will not balance the economy. Increasing public expenditure will not save us. Structural reforms are always difficult.
Stubb hopes that common ground can also be found in domestic politics to help foster economic growth.
"I hope that the parliamentary parties will find common ground to generate growth. A continuum that will get Finland back on track to more sustainable growth."
First live New Year's speech since 2005
Stubb's live speech broke from recent tradition, as former president Sauli Niinistö had recorded each of his New Year's speeches in advance. The last live speech was delivered by Tarja Halonen, when she was President of the Republic in 2005.
Stubb spoke live in the usual manner, in both Finnish and Swedish. Unlike previous years, Stubb also spoke in English after the live broadcast, which was published on Yle Areena.
Yle has been responsible for broadcasting the President's New Year's speech since 1958, when President Urho Kekkonen delivered it. The first New Year's speech was broadcast on the radio in 1935.
Yle holds exclusive rights to film the speech, but the broadcast feed is shared with other channels.