Unlike in most European countries, the president of Finland holds executive power in formulating foreign and security policy, particularly when dealing with countries outside the European Union like the United States, Russia and China.
“Clearly, the main task of the president is to steer foreign policy,” said Teivo Teivainen, professor of world politics at the University of Helsinki.
Finland became the Western military alliance’s 31st member in April last year, much to the annoyance of Russia and President Vladimir Putin.
Under the Finnish Constitution, the president decides on foreign and security policy issues together with the government.
Late last year, Finland closed its border with Russia after some 1,300 migrants without proper documentation or visas arrived across the frontier just months after Finland joined NATO.
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