Honors announced for Finnish Independence Day as President Alexander Stubb to award prestigious accolades

On December 3rd, the recipients of honors to be awarded on Finnish Independence Day were announced. The prestigious awards will be granted by President Alexander Stubb. The highest accolade this year, the Grand Cross of the Order of the White Rose of Finland, will be bestowed upon Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, who has led the National Coalition Party since 2016 and has held the premiership since June 2023. His prior roles include serving as Minister of the Interior, Minister of Finance, and Minister of Agriculture and Forestry.

Additional prominent awards include the Grand Cross of the Order of the Lion of Finland, presented to EU Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen, emeritus Bishop and Professor Eero Huovinen, and emeritus Chancellor Thomas Wilhelmsson. Urpilainen is a former member of parliament and finance minister, noted for her candidacy in the presidential elections earlier this year. Huovinen is recognized as a public speaker, particularly known for his insights following the 2004 tsunami in Southeast Asia and the Estonia ferry disaster. Wilhelmsson has held significant academic and administrative roles at the University of Helsinki.

Tampere’s Mayor Kalervo Kummola will receive the Commander’s Cross of the Order of the Lion of Finland, while several current government ministers will be recognized with the Commander’s Cross of the Order of the White Rose, including Minister of Finance Riikka Purra and Minister of Education Anders Adlercreutz.

A documentary titled “On the Path of the Rose and the Lion” will explore a century of Finland’s honor system and its impact on national identity, featuring interviews with notable figures such as former Presidents Sauli Niinistö and Tarja Halonen.