US must look for why attitudes hardened: Niinistö

President Sauli Niinistö on Thursday said that debate within the United States must now look for answers as to why attitudes have hardened and escalated, and how national unity will be rebuilt.

“It must be recognised that, in addition to aggressive political rhetoric and incitement, there are deeper reasons. There is also an underlying disappointment in the weakening of social status and inclusion, with the result that claims of arrogance on the part of those in power have found an audience. At worst, this leads to the disorder we have now seen, which is to be condemned,” said the president in a statement issued by the Office of the President.

The United States Congress has today certified the result of the presidential election. The continuation of the constitutional process shows that the system is still working, even if it has been put to the test, said Niinistö.

“We have also seen measures to restore order. A sense of responsibility is gaining ground. The transfer of power and the acceptance of a losing election result are key elements of the democratic order,” the president added.

With the transfer of power, it has been expected that the role of the United States in the international community will be strengthened, he said.

“Internal discord will jeopardise this. It is therefore important for the international community, and for Finland too, that the situation in the United States is clarified,” added the president.