Finland sees surge of ex-military elected to Parliament

The Finnish parliamentary election, held on April 23, saw several retired generals from the Finnish Defense Forces being elected to the parliament. The newly-elected members are expected to bring their military expertise and experience to the political arena and play a crucial role in shaping the country’s defense and foreign policy.

One of the most prominent generals to be elected is Pasi Niinistö, a former Defense Minister and the brother of President Sauli Niinistö. Pasi Niinistö, who served as the Chief of Defense of the Finnish Defense Forces from 2009 to 2014, won a seat in the parliament with an impressive margin of votes.

Another notable figure among the newly-elected military generals is Antti Kalliomäki, a retired Lieutenant General and former Commander of the Finnish Army. Kalliomäki is known for his expertise in international military operations and is expected to bring valuable insights to the parliament’s foreign policy discussions.

The election results have been seen as a reflection of the Finnish people’s growing concerns over national security and defense. In recent years, Finland has witnessed increased military activity in the Baltic Sea region, including violations of Finnish airspace and territorial waters. The country’s relations with Russia have also been strained, with Russia’s aggressive actions in Ukraine and the annexation of Crimea.

In response to these challenges, the Finnish government has increased defense spending and stepped up its military cooperation with other European countries, including Sweden and NATO member states. The newly-elected military generals are expected to further strengthen Finland’s defense and security policies and ensure the country’s readiness to face any potential threats.

The election of former military generals to parliament marks a significant shift in Finland’s political landscape and is seen as a positive development by many. The newly-elected members are expected to bring a unique perspective to the parliament’s discussions and play a crucial role in shaping the country’s future.