Presidentinvaalit 2024 : Ehdokasvalinta, media ja kansansuosio

Abstract

This edited volume [Presidential Elections 2024: Candidate Selection, Media, and Popularity] analyses candidate selection and campaigning, the role of the media in the elections, and citizens' views on the institution of the presidency. The book also offers new insights into the assessment of the Finnish presidential institution from an international comparative perspective. The chapters in the volume draw primarily on survey data collected after the elections. The campaigns of 2024 emphasized Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine and Finland’s recent NATO membership, but the discussions also ventured into domestic policy issues that fall out of the president’s competence. The leading candidates were cautious in the debates, and the elections were largely conducted in a conciliatory spirit. In terms of voting behaviour, the citizens emphasized the candidates' foreign policy experience, political background, and values. The constant flood of polls benefited the leading candidates. The formal powers of the Finnish president are limited, but the turbulent security environment combined with the president’s position as head of state, and high popularity facilitate strong presidential influence. In international comparison, Finnish presidents are exceptionally popular. Finns expect stability and leadership from the presidential institution in terms of both formal powers and the president's style of operation. The position of the president must continue to be critically examined, as must the increased role of polls in elections.