Presidential election

Finns voted for the new president today and political history was made  - incumbent president Sauli Niinistö won in the first round with huge majority. Now when writing this 99% votes has been calculated and Niinistö got 62,7% of votes. One candidate getting that many votes is rare in free democracy, especially he having 7 opponents.


Mr Niinisto is very down-to-earth president.  He shares details of his private life in tabloids: his much younger wife, a poet, is expecting a baby; his dog recently became an internet star after trying to steal the presidential Christmas ham. Two years ago Sauli Niinisto once called a radio nature show, identifying himself only as “Sauli from Naantali”, to ask about invasive wild parsnips. He roller-blades, too.

Niinistö is experienced and skilled politician and he has portrayed himself as a messenger between superpowers. Last year alone he met Donald Trump, Xi Jinping and Mr Putin. 

https://yle.fi/uutiset/osasto/news/rivals_concede_niinisto_cruises_to_victory_in_round_one_of_finlands_presidential_poll/10045709


Emma was in Helsinki with Pyrintö's women team, they lost to Helmi Capitals by 19 points. Grandfather celebrated his 77th birthday today.


The bravest ones were iceskating on Näsijärvi ice as you can see from the picture - I'm doubtful how thick ice cover is because weather has been so shifty.


-1°C, cloudy