President emphasises social peace, security

President Sauli Niinistö on Tuesday expressed concern over maintaining social peace and emphasised that society must guarantee a secure and peaceful life.

“I am increasingly concerned about how we in Finland treat one another. It is a matter of respecting each other, and ultimately maintaining social peace. And with it, our security,” said Niinistö in his New Year’s speech.

He said unrest, instability and short-term thinking have characterised life both in Finland and the world at large. Counter-forces to them must be created.

“Society must guarantee a secure and peaceful life. Finland is a very permissive and open society; also in this respect a model. But there is also evil in the world which is not dispelled by mere kindness,” said the president, adding, “the good needs to be defended resolutely, if we want to preserve it.”

Niinistö also focused on the responsibilities of the country’s service sector.

“The backbone of our social fabric is its service sector, people who carry out what our democracy wants. Far too many of them are exposed to daily harassment, threats, pressure, even violence,” observed the president.

He said their work is no longer just professionally demanding, it is also mentally punishing.

“If those who provide care, education and security become exhausted, the functioning of our whole society is endangered. That we cannot afford,” he stated.

Niinistö pointed at a new phenomenon which has emerged in domestic politics and the parliamentary system. “No government installed in office in this millennium has served a full term. The current government is the ninth appointed since 2003 and the prime minister the eighth.”

“Full four-year terms that had become customary have been replaced by an average of less than two and a half years. At first glance, it could appear that this is due to a fragile parliamentary system or an unstable political situation,” he surmised.

He termed climate change a major threat. “Every nation has set their objectives, with Finland at the forefront. This is commendable. But objectives do not yet amount to action,” said the head of state, adding that the unstable world situation shows no signs of settling down. In an increasingly complex world, the requirements imposed on Finland’s foreign policy will grow.

Speaking on the country’s foreign policy, he said Finland does its utmost to promote peace, stability and long-term thinking.

Niinistö said, “By supporting the common good on a broad front, we shoulder our share of responsibility for the world while at the same tie advancing our own interests.”

The president also said, “This year a quarter of a century has passed since our accession to the European Union. For Finland, the EU remains the most important source of economic prosperity and stability.”