The Implications of Trump’s Victory on Finland and Finnish Citizens
Commentary| The Finnish government was prepared for either candidate’s victory, writes Hanna Mahlamäki, head of the Helsinki Sanomat’s political department.
The Impact of Trump’s Victory on Finland
Come Wednesday morning, as the news confirming Republican candidate Donald Trump’s victory as the next President of the United States began to sink in, feelings of sadness or fear about the future may have crept into your mind.
Several opinion polls indicated that a clear majority of Finns hoped for a victory for Democrat Kamala Harris, so the disappointment in the minds of many Finns is understandable. According to a survey commissioned by Helsinki Sanomat’s research institute Veriani, 82% of Finns wished for Harris to win.
Finland’s Alignment with Harris’s Values
Finland’s sympathy for Harris was consistent, as it is clear that Harris’s values also represent the official line of Finland, the long-standing line of Finnish foreign policy regardless of governments and presidents.
Finland swears by a rules-based world order and multilateral agreements because it is the only option for a small country. Trump and his inner circle’s messages and actions often contradict these values, while the Democrats offer camaraderie to Finland in this regard.
Economic Uncertainty in the Face of Trump’s Policies
Economically, uncertainty increases for Europe and Finland due to Trump’s planned import tariffs aimed at boosting the U.S. economy.
It is clear that Trump will deliver on his promise of better livelihoods in the spirit of “America first,” which increases economic uncertainty in the EU and also in Finland.
Building Bridges with the Trump Administration
Although Finland is part of NATO and the EU, it also needs direct contact with the Trump administration. It is good that Finland does not have to build a connection to Trump from scratch.
During the NATO process in 2022, then Finnish Ambassador to Washington Mikko Hautala managed to call Trump to assure Republicans of Finland’s support for NATO membership. NATO membership is the most defining aspect of Finland’s security policy.
Future of International Relations and Security
For Finland, what happens in Ukraine, how Russia behaves, and the role of the United States in NATO in the future are crucial. This European issue is quite open.
Finland remembers the meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Helsinki summit in 2018, where Putin seemed to mock Trump. The future relationship between Trump and Putin remains uncertain.
Conclusion
Trump’s victory signifies a continuation of uncertain times for Finland, both economically and in terms of security. While Harris’s election may not have necessarily brought about a shift towards stability, China remains the biggest and most important international focus for the United States, regardless of the government’s color.
FAQ
How does Trump’s victory impact Finland’s foreign policy?
Trump’s victory introduces uncertainty in Finland’s foreign policy due to conflicting values and interests.
What are the implications of Trump’s economic policies on Finland?
Trump’s economic policies, including import tariffs, create economic uncertainty for Finland and Europe.