As Finnish MPs reconvened from their winter break, President Sauli Niinistö reopened Parliament on Wednesday for the final time before stepping down from the post, as the country prepares to elect a new president.
In his address to lawmakers, Niinistö said Finland should invest more in defence and reduce public debt.
During his two six-year terms, Niinistö led the country amid a number of historic periods. One of the most significant changes was when Finland became a full member of Nato after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
"Europe is currently living in belligerent times. This is most concretely happening in Ukraine as Russia continues its aggression. But at the level of words, it is present all across the continent. Even, and perhaps particularly, in places, where security has been taken as a given for a long time," he said in his address.
"There has been concern also in Finland. My response has been that we are not afraid, but we are awake. In the same way as we have been for many decades. This has been noticed also elsewhere: the Finnish model has gained admiration across the Western world," he said.
"Not so much for us having joined Nato, but for building our own security. The capabilities of the Finnish Defence Forces, the reserves, conscription, national defence work and the will to defend the country are highly regarded," he continued.
Economic issues
Niinistö also addressed the issue of Finland's growing state debt, noting that the country "has not experienced significant real economic growth for 16 years".
He said that Finland has continued a "permanently debt-based approach" to the economy.
"A quick comparison with other Nordic countries shows that the Finnish economy is failing seriously and permanently. It will not change a thing if we keep on looking for culprits and remain solidly staunched in our positions," he said.
He urged the lawmakers to cooperate "across party lines and parliamentary terms".
The president's office posted a translated transcript of his address.
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