Finland's President Sauli Niinistö told newspaper Helsingin Sanomat on Thursday that he is concerned about Finland's ability to make quick decisions related to joining Nato during the late spring and summer.
Niinistö's comments derive from the timing of Finland's upcoming elections, scheduled for Sunday 2 April, which could lead to weeks or even months of political paralysis as parties seek to form the next coalition government.
During that time, the country would be run by a caretaker ministry with limited scope to make political decisions.
"I wanted to express my own opinion, or concern, that we should now remain fully prepared for a [Nato] decision by all means possible," the president said.
Earlier on Thursday, Niinistö met with the chairs of parliamentary parties to discuss decision-making on foreign and security policy matters. He told HS that he expressed the same concerns to the party leaders.
During the interview, Niinistö also revealed that he had spoken to the Chancellor of Justice about the powers that might be provided to a caretaker administration.
"The powers of the caretaker government may be extended with the involvement of Parliament. In a difficult situation, this may also be possible through committees," he said.
Niinistö further added that, if necessary, a "one-issue government" could be set up — at least in theory — if no other options exist. However, he said he does not believe that the need for such a situation will arise.
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