Sari Essayah unveils her vision on Finland: Presidential leadership, global dynamics, and national priorities

By admin On Jan 23, 2024

Presidential candidate Sari Essayah. LEHTIKUVA

In conversation with Helsinki Times, Sari Essayah, the leader of the Christian Democrats and a prominent presidential candidate in Finland, candidly shares her insights on a myriad of critical issues. From addressing Finland’s emerging role in global conflicts and international agreements, to shedding light on the critical domestic issues of the country, the current Minister of Agriculture and Forestry offered a comprehensive perspective on the nation’s present and future.

Sari Essayah had earlier said that she stands out from her competitors by being the conservative choice for voters. Asked about bridging the gap between different value systems while maintaining a conservative stance, Essayah emphasized the president’s role in promoting tolerance and understanding, highlighting the importance of freedom of speech and respect for others.

“The liberal candidates would have the same challenge. The president’s duty is not to make the nation to have the same opinion but to give example of tolerance and understanding, so I would underline the freedom of speech and respect for others,” Essayah said.

Sharing her opinion on the outgoing President Sauli Niinistö’s work over two terms, Essayah rated the President’s performance as a solid 9 on a scale of 1 to 10. “Not 10, because no one is perfect. However his performance is outstanding during challenging times,” Essayah told Helsinki Times.

Finland’s NATO membership and global impact

Regarding Finland’s recent NATO membership, Essayah pointed out that it has not affected the country’s policy in the UN but has strengthened ties with Western allies. She emphasized Finland’s commitment to the rule of law, human rights, equality, and democracy in its foreign and security policy. “NATO membership has not affected on our policy in the UN, but it has taken us even closer to our western allies. This positions Finland more firmly in the European and transatlantic security community. Finland’s foreign and security policy is based on the rule of law, human rights, equality and democracy. Close cooperation with partners, good bilateral relations, and respect for and strengthening of multilateral international law are the cornerstones Finland’s international relations,” Essayah said.

Ukraine conflict and relations with Russia

Discussing the outlook for Finland’s relations with Russia, Essayah highlighted the uncertainty over Russia’s credibility in international relations and emphasized the need to hold the Putin regime accountable for war crimes in Russia’s ongoing attack on Ukraine.

“Russia’s brutal war against Ukraine is a violation of international law and the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. It weakens security and stability in Finland and across Europe and undermines Russia’s credibility as a partner in international agreements. It is vital to make Putin´s regime accountable for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide, and Russia must compensate Ukraine for the damage and destruction that is being caused. Before that, I don´t see any possibility for high level political connections with Russia,” Essayah said.

Addressing Finland’s alignment with Ukraine, the EU, and the U.S. in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Essayah defended the country’s position. “Is there a balanced approach if an aggressive country attacks a peaceful, sovereign neighboring country? In Finland we have some experience of that kind situation,” Essayah remarked.

Relations with China and eastern front

While recognized China’s growing global role as a challenge for Finland and Europe, the minister also highlighted it is an important trade partner for Finland. She also underlined the importance of reducing strategic dependencies.

“China’s growing global role and its aspirations for a new world order are a challenge for Finland and Europe. Finland’s China policy is determined through Finland’s membership in the European Union and NATO. The Government aims to reduce strategic dependencies on China. At the same time China is an important trading partner for Finland, and Finland will maintain functioning relations with China. The growing global confrontation and tensions between great powers have a major impact on security, the economy, technology, security of supply, industry, and trade. The erosion of the rules-based international system, the rise of power politics, barriers to free trade and the challenges caused by protectionism even among like-minded countries all challenge Finland’s foreign and security policy,” Essayah said.

Finland’s response in Gaza conflict

On Finland’s response to Israel’s actions in Gaza, Sari Essayah highlighted the need to condemn the earlier attack by Hamas as terrorism and pointed out Israel’s right to defend its borders. Essayah also emphasized the importance of delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza.

“I supported the Finnish line to abstain on the UN resolution because it didn´t condemn the attack by the terror group Hamas neither asked for the release of hostages. I condemn terrorism and support Israel´s right to defend its borders. At the same time, it is important to deliver the humanitarian aid to Gaza and understand that Hamas is not representing all the people living in Gaza, but it is using them as human shields and does not care of their lives,” She said.

Relations with U.S. and defence agreement

Regarding Finland’s recent defence agreement with the U.S., allowing foreign military presence in Finland, Essayah highlighted that the agreement along with Finland’s NATO membership strengthens security in Northern Europe and positions the country firmly in the European and transatlantic security community. “By joining NATO, Finland has become a militarily allied country. Finland’s NATO membership and the DCA with the USA strengthen security in Finland and stability in Northern Europe. This positions Finland more firmly in the European and transatlantic security community. As a member of NATO, Finland will maintain a credible defence capability in all circumstances and will be prepared to support its NATO allies according to its obligations,” Essayah said.

“Finland wants to see a stronger European Union and stronger European defense within the framework of NATO. As a member of NATO, Finland will maintain a credible defence capability in all circumstances and will be prepared to support its NATO allies according to its obligations. The article five covers also nuclear deterrence and there might be situations that Finland may allow the transportation through country,” she added.

Rise of right-wing in EU and Finland’s reputation

In the face of the evolving political landscape in Europe, particularly the ascent of right-wing governments, Sari Essayah shared her perspective on how this dynamic impacts Finland’s global standing. Acknowledging the current center-right government, Essayah highlighted the nation’s commitment to respecting democratic election outcomes, even in cases where political disagreements persist.

“Our government is center-right government and usually we respect the democratic result of the elections even though one might not agree on the politics. My response is the value base of our party Christian Democrats. The central value of the Christian Democrats is human dignity. Everyone is a unique and indispensable individual. Human dignity is based on a person’s being, not on their doing or abilities. It is priceless, regardless of gender, age, position, religion, origin of birth or other criteria,” Essayah pointed out.

Agriculture and Sustainability

In light of her extensive background as the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Sari Essayah told Helsinki Time how she envisions aligning this experience with the evolving needs of the agricultural sector. She emphasized the intrinsic link between sustainability and the competitiveness of domestic food production, and the importance of providing adequate incentives to support environmentally conscious practices within the agricultural community. “The sustainability and competitiveness of domestic food production go hand in hand. Measures that have an impact either in the short or in the long term will be taken to improve profitability and solve the liquidity crisis in agriculture,” Essayah said.

“No decisions will be made during the Government term that will increase costs in the agricultural sector. The work done by farmers to reduce environmental loading is valuable. This work must also be cost-effective and adequate incentives must be provided for it,” she highlighted.

Strengthening defence against hybrid warfare

On enhancing the resilience of the Finnish military against geopolitical threats, including cyber warfare, Essayah outlined her commitment to the comprehensive security of Finland realistically, including improving detection and prevention of cyber threats and extending powers to interfere with cyber espionage.

She elaborated, “The Government will bolster comprehensive security, resilience, and security of supply. Finland will prepare for external and internal security threats realistically and decisively. In doing so, Finland will make use of new forms of international cooperation.”

Expanding the focus on cybersecurity, Essayah said, “The detection and prevention of cyber threats will be improved. Provisions will be laid down on powers to interfere with a device or software that is located abroad and is being used for cyber espionage or cyber interference that seriously endangers Finland’s national security. We will assess extending the obligation to assist the authorities to cover service providers located in Finland, such as data center companies.”

Economic challenges

In response to the current recession and debt crisis, Essayah asserted on economic priorities of the government, focusing on balancing the government finances, generating employment and safeguarding welfare services.

“The priorities of the government’s economic policy are economic stability, employment, economic growth, and safeguarding welfare services. The government is committed to balancing general government finances to ensure the wellbeing of the people and the sustainable development of the economy. The government’s employment and growth measures, together with direct adjustment measures, will create the conditions for balanced general government finances in 2031,” Essayah said.

Campaign cost and funding

Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi