Papers across Finland buzzed this weekend about the Independence Day gala hosted at the Presidential Palace in Helsinki on Friday.
As is tradition in Finland, tabloids Ilta-Sanomat and Iltalehti lauded the best-dressed at the gala.
Model Sofia Ruutu was selected by IL readers as the best dressed at the gala, but a dress gifted to former Prime Minister Sanna Marin (SDP) from the First Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine, Yulia Svyrydenko, also received praise.
IL's fashion columnist astutely noted that the dress worn by Finnish National Ballet Dancer Violetta Keller drew inspiration from a Finnish design classic, the 1947 Chanterelle glass vase by Tapio Wirkkala.
Besides the outfits, the Finnish papers highlighted that there were many differences between this year's Independence Day gala and those of yesteryear.
This was President Alexander Stubb's first time greeting over 1,000 honoured guests after 12 years of Sauli Niinistö taking up the role as principal hand-shaker.
With the change in host, the Presidential Palace saw some notable updates to the gala. Newspaper Helsingin Sanomat pointed out that one of the most notable changes to the event was its lighting.
This year, dimmer, warmer red tones lit up the Presidential Palace for the event. The paper's website featured photos showing how this year's lighting looked compared to years' past.
Henrika Pihlajaniemi, an architecture and urban lighting professor at the University of Oulu, spoke to HS about the updated lighting choice.
Pihlajaniemi said that in the past the lighting has been clean, fairly conventional and relatively bright. In previous years, the Presidential Palace was the focus, as the lighting has not played such a big role and was considered more of an afterthought.
Pihlajaniemi described this year's lighting as more atmospheric. She added that the warm light was intended to create a sense of approachability, celebration and dignity, which she viewed as positive.
Finland's ambassador to the US
Business daily Kauppalehti interviewed Leena-Kaisa Mikkola, Finland’s new ambassador to the US.
Mikkola has quickly transitioned into her role in Washington after serving as ambassador to China since 2021. Her tenure began in September, and since then, Donald Trump's election as US president has meant her team needs to establish relationships with the incoming administration.
"I have heard from colleagues during the last Trump administration; access to various people was good. I think we will continue to have a good dialogue," said Mikkola.
Our podcast All Points North covered the impact of the US election on Finland last month. Listen to the episode via this embedded player, on Yle Areena, via Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
Mikkola, a seasoned diplomat with prior postings in Israel and expertise in China and the Middle East, emphasised Nato's importance in strengthening ties between Finland and the US.
She noted that membership in the alliance has enhanced Finland’s visibility and access in Washington, particularly in defence and economic collaboration.
Trade promotion is a key focus of her work, with projects like the ICE Pact aimed at bolstering Arctic cooperation and Finland's shipbuilding industry. She highlighted the growing significance of the US as one of Finland's top trade partners, driven by shared strategic interests.
As tensions between the US and China rise, Mikkola noted that it is important for Finns that the two major powers maintain a dialogue.
Colder conditions later this week
Rural-focused newspaper Maaseudun Tulevaisuus wrote that this week starts with dry and sunny weather across most of Finland on Monday. However, Lapland will experience heavier cloud cover and snowfall, with accumulations of up to six centimetres. Temperatures will range from +1 to -7 degrees Celsius.
Overnight into Tuesday, westerly winds will strengthen to moderate or brisk levels. Milder air will flow into Finland from over the Scandinavian Mountains, raising daytime temperatures to between 0 and 5 degrees. Light precipitation may occur in northern Lapland and parts of western North Ostrobothnia, mostly as rain.
Starting Wednesday, colder air will flow in from the northwest. The weather will remain mostly sunny and dry, with occasional snow showers in the north. Temperatures in the south and west will still stay above freezing, but the cold will intensify later in the week. By Thursday, parts of Lapland could see temperatures drop below -10 degrees.
On Friday or during the weekend, increasing cloud cover and snow are expected to spread from the west. Frostier conditions will be more likely nationwide as the week progresses.
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