The Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
Press release 52/2022
4 November 2022

Finland’s Independence Day will be celebrated with a reception hosted by President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö and Mrs Jenni Haukio on Tuesday 6 December 2022 at the Presidential Palace. The theme of the reception is Finland as a nation that trusts in itself.

“Finland is today a stable country in an unstable world. We have always overcome challenging times by trusting ourselves and helping each other. This year we want to honour those who have worked for Finnish society and contributed to promote Finland’s strengths,” says President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö.

The number of guests at the reception is approximately a third lower than in previous years. Some 1,300 people from all over Finland are invited. The guests include healthcare professionals, people responsible for overall security, volunteers as well as experts working on the success factors of the future. Guests who were invited to the Independence Day reception 2021 are on the guest list. A significant proportion of the guests this year are invited for the first time, whereas there will be fewer guests that are traditionally invited in their official capacity.

The Presidential couple has invited Independence Day honorary guests, war veterans and members of the women’s voluntary civil defence organization Lotta Svärd, to a special ceremony the week before Independence Day.

In addition to the smaller number of guests than usual, health security will be taken into account also in other arrangements for the reception. More information will be provided closer to Independence Day.

The mailing of invitations will start next week.

The coronavirus situation in Finland has deteriorated rapidly. Restrictions have tightened since last week and it is anticipated that they will tighten further.

Throughout the pandemic, the Office of the President of the Republic of Finland has observed in its activities particular caution as well as the existing coronavirus restrictions and recommendations. Unfortunately, there is a gap in the law that prevents requiring and checking COVID-19 passports at official public sector events, such as the Independence Day Reception.

Due to the combined impact of the deteriorating situation with COVID in recent days and the COVID-19 passport regulations, we have unfortunately had to cancel the reception at the Presidential Palace on 6 December 2021. The event for war veterans and members of the Lotta Svärd has also been cancelled for health security reasons.

We extend our deepest apologies to those invited to the reception and the veterans’ event for the cancellation of the events. Those invited to Independence Day Reception this year will also receive an invitation to the reception to be held at the Presidential Palace on 6 December 2022. A separate event for veterans and members of the Lotta Svärd will be arranged when the pandemic situation permits. Personal letters of apology will also be sent to all those who were invited to this year’s events.

I wish all those who are fighting against the corona pandemic much strength in their work and I appeal to our common responsibility to be vaccinated and to act responsibly in all aspects of everyday life.