Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen to President of the Republic Sauli Niinistö
Esteemed President of the Republic!
The Finnish nation has chosen you to be its president. In the recently held presidential elections the values and ideas that you represent received the backing of the majority of Finns.
The President of the Republic of Finland is the country's Head of State, to whom, as an outcome of the direct electoral system, the nation grants a powerful mandate for action. This mandate is of tremendous importance when the president participates in discussions within Finnish society concerning fundamental issues.
In Finland the power of government lies in the hands of the President of the Republic and the Finnish Government. The primary decision-making responsibility rests with Parliament and the government in office that depends on its support. It is nonetheless clear that, in their striving for the benefit of the Finnish people, the work of present and future governments will require the support of the President of the Republic.
On this day the most recent amendments to our Constitution enter into force. Despite these amendments, the essence of the duty of the President of the Republic remains unchanged. The President of the Republic heads Finnish foreign policy in cooperation with the Government. In this area of vital concern for the nation, I would like to express the Government's desire for close cooperation with yourself, esteemed President of the Republic.
The foundation of Finland's security, well-being and success lies in broad cooperation with other nations and international actors. In building this cooperation, close collaboration between the President of the Republic and the Government extends beyond being solely a constitutional duty to become a powerful resource for a small nation.
You, esteemed President of the Republic, are taking part in the decision-making of Finnish society on many different levels. Your experience of cooperation both at home and abroad fully qualifies you for the execution of all presidential duties under the Finnish Constitution.
You have expressed a wish in your duty as President to serve the community well. I know you to be a man who values the power of leading by example. Difficult times lie ahead of us. To safeguard the future of Finland's welfare society, Finns must join together to make decisions, some of them difficult. During such times we Finns will need an example to lead us onwards.
Please accept, Mr President of the Republic, the warm congratulations and solemn pledge of the Finnish Government and the civil service.