Office of the President of the Republic
Press Release 56/2016
7 November 2016
Finland’s strengths are the theme of the President’s Independence Day Reception this year. “Finland is the world’s most stable country and we are among the happiest nations on the planet. We have an unblemished natural environment and pure and clean food. We lead the world according to so many measures that it bodes well for the future. We would like to highlight Finland’s strengths for a moment, since they are often taken for granted. Let’s look at our homeland in a slightly new light!” says President Sauli Niinistö.
Studies have shown that Finland is among the best performers in the world based on measures such as honesty, innovation, stability, literacy and success in education, and opportunities for girls. Those invited to the Independence Day Reception include a large number of people who have created the basis for these success factors. The first invitations have been mailed.
President of the Republic Sauli Niinistö and his spouse Jenni Haukio are inviting around 1,800 guests to the reception. The guests include Finns with accomplishments in a range of fields. As in previous years, the list of invitees includes many war veterans and members of the Lotta women’s auxiliary. Alongside Finnish veterans, Estonian volunteers who fought in the Continuation War, and Swedish volunteers who participated in the Winter and Continuation Wars, are being invited to the Presidential Palace this year.
More details on the reception programme and other arrangements will be announced later.