Finnish president re-elected

Finnish voters re-elected left-wing President Tarja Halonen for another six-year term in a close run-off against her conservative challenger.

Halonen, Finland’s first female president, had 51.8% of the vote, against 48.2% for former finance minister Sauli Niinisto, with all votes counted. Turnout in yesterday’s election was 77%.

“The man has lost,” Niinisto said, conceding defeat by kissing Halonen’s hand.

Halonen, 62, described her victory as historic, as she was the Nordic country’s first head of state to be re-elected in a direct ballot.

“It’s back to work on Monday,” she said last night, complimenting Niinisto on his stronger-than-expected challenge.

Halonen had been the clear favourite after winning the first round on January 15 with 46% of votes against Niinisto’s 24%. But the gap closed in polls ahead of yesterday’s run-off as support surged for Niinisto, 57, a survivor of the December 2004 tsunami and vice president of the European Investment Bank.

Since taking office in 2000, Halonen has enjoyed high approval ratings in the egalitarian country that was the first in Europe to give women voting rights.

The former trade union lawyer is liked for her down-to-earth manner. She routinely swims in the icy Baltic Sea and takes belly dancing classes.

In their final debates, the contenders presented similar visions for neutral Finland’s foreign policy – the president’s primary domain. Both advocated close ties with Nato, but Niinisto was considered more open to membership in the alliance, a sensitive issue in a country that shares a 800-mile border with former enemy Russia.

The head of state is not involved in day-to-day politics and there is wide agreement on the main issues, including satisfaction with Finland’s EU membership since 1995, fostering good ties with neighbouring Russia and close co-operation with Nato.