Furman Alum Alex Stubb Elected President of Finland

In a recent development from Finland, Alex Stubb, a proud Furman University alumnus, was elected the president of the country. He is the first Furman graduate to hold the position of a head of state, an accomplishment that the university relayed through a news release on February 12.

Victory for Stubb and National Coalition Party

Stubb bagged 51.6% of votes running on the ticket of Finland’s center-right National Coalition Party in a runoff election. His opponent, Pekka Haavisto, who is Finland’s foreign minister and a representative of the center-left Green Party, received 48.4% of the votes.

Alex Stubb’s Presidential Term Responsibilities

In his six-year presidential term, Stubb is expected to assume the responsibility for the country’s foreign and security policy. He will represent Finland in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and will serve as the commander in chief of the country’s military.

Furman University President Praises Stubb

Furman University President, Elizabeth Davis, had high praise for Stubb: “Alex Stubb is a remarkable leader. He has a compelling demeanor and profound curiosity paired with a strong moral compass that consistently points towards serving his fellow citizens. I’m excited for him, and incredibly proud. He will make an excellent president for his home country, Finland,” said Davis.

Alex Stubb’s Prior Service to Finland

Earlier in his political journey, Stubb held prominent positions in Finland’s government, including prime minister, minister of foreign affairs, and minister of finance. In addition, he was also part of the European Parliament and worked as the vice president of the European Investment Bank.

Stubb’s Educational Background

With regard to his academic credentials, Stubb studied at the Sorbonne in Paris and then graduated from the College of Europe in Bruges. He also attended the London School of Economics. Today, the Finnish leader continues to inspire many with his journey from being a Furman alumnus to becoming Finland’s President.