Finnish central bank Governor Olli Rehn joined the race for the president of the Nordic country in the next year’s election.
“I feel that I have the experience and vision to lead Finland’s foreign and security policy,” said Rehn, who is also a member of the European Central Bank’s Governing Council.
Prior to his current roles, Rehn, 61, served as the European Commissioner until 2014, followed by the position of economy minister in 2015-2016.
Earlier this month, Finland’s former foreign minister Pekka Haavisto announced his presidential bid, which is his third attempt after also running in 2012 and 2018. The election will be held early next year with the first ballot expected in January.
In a poll last month by public broadcaster YLE, 28% of respondents backed Haavisto, with 15% support for Rehn and 13% backing for the head of Finnish Foreign Policy Institute Mika Aaltola.
Incumbent Sauli Niinisto has served out the maximum two six-year terms in office. While he has only limited influence on domestic policy in the mainly figurehead role, Niinisto became the architect behind Finland’s and Sweden’s applications to join NATO following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
