Alexander Stubb’s transition to Finnish Prime Minister ensures Finland will have a pro-EU leader despite a Eurosceptic public

On 14 June 2014, Alexander Stubb was selected as the new leader of Finland’s ruling National Coalition Party, ensuring that he will become the country’s next Prime Minister. Tapio Raunio writes on the impact the appointment will have ahead of the country’s 2015 parliamentary elections. He argues that Stubb’s pro-EU views and desire to take Finland into NATO will set the background for the upcoming election campaign, with the Eurosceptic Finns Party in particular likely to lead opposition to the government.

ESO: Background information: Race for Katainen’s job hots up http://www.europeansources.info/record/race-for-katainens-job-hots-up/

Demari, 16.06.14: Finland's new PM may get things moving (via Euro|Topics) http://www.eurotopics.net/en/home/presseschau/archiv/aehnliche/archiv_article/ARTICLE145086-Finland-s-new-PM-may-get-things-moving

EurActiv, 17.06.14: Katainen joins Commission, Stubb assumes PM role http://www.euractiv.com/sections/eu-elections-2014/katainen-joins-commission-stubb-assumes-pm-role-302841

European Commission: RAPID: MEMO/14/441: Message of Congratulations from President Barroso to the Prime Minister of Finland http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-14-441_en.htm

Council of the European Union: Press Release, PRES/14/363: President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy congratulates Alexander Stubb on his appointment as Prime Minister of Finland http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/en/ec/143355.pdf

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