President Niinistö meets with the chairs of parties elected to Parliament

Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
Press release 4/2023
2 February 2023

President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö met with the chairs of parties elected to Parliament at Mäntyniemi on Thursday, 2 February 2023.

The meeting discussed decision-making in foreign and security policy issues during the upcoming spring. Another topic was the progress of Finland’s NATO membership process.

In particular, the post-election period with a caretaker government was discussed, since, in the current circumstances, there may be a need for rapid decision-making. The contribution of the Parliament, at least through its committees, may be needed in this respect. The appointment of key committees, immediately after the general election, must take account of the fact that committee members play a decisive role in forming parliamentary positions.

The meeting also discussed the Parliament’s preparedness to meet during the electoral recess. Finally, the President gave an update on the state of play of the NATO membership process and reported on recent close contacts.

The meeting was attended by party leaders Sanna Marin, Petteri Orpo, Annika Saarikko, Anna-Maja Henriksson, Riikka Purra, Maria Ohisalo, Li Andersson, Sari Essayah and Harry Harkimo.

President Niinistö last met with the party leaders in November 2022.