FINLAND: Openly Gay Candidate Pekka Haavisto In Runoff For Presidency
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5bc2ZxjOOIrVFJN0Sc4AEtMgQxKzgQy7DfjheTf-zc2H6gXPdC_4mYkkU_ycjMu2hvpOvjfFA1LufX8hn4mmowmHao4fyP4T7jtypbCGihdHnifv4n5OW8Gh9MQp0X8W6X2U7AQ/s200/PekkaHaavisto.jpg)
Sauli Niinisto, a former finance minister, won 37 percent of the vote, well ahead of the other candidates but short of the majority needed to avoid a second round, official preliminary results showed. With all votes counted, Pekka Haavisto, of the Greens party, was second with 18.8 percent, securing his place in the Feb. 5 runoff. The result means Finns will have two pro-European candidates to choose from in the second round, contrasting with the surge in euroskeptic sentiment in last year's parliamentary election. "Pro-Europe policies and supporting the euro have received strong support from the people," Niinisto said.The presidency of Finland is largely a ceremonial position.
Labels: Finland, gay politicians