President Stubb visits Oulu and Kemi, emphasizes urgency of Northern Finland infrastructure improvements

President Alexander Stubb’s recent visit to Oulu and Kemi was tightly scheduled but did not dampen his good spirits despite a slight cold. After returning late at night from Berlin, Stubb first visited the University of Oulu on Wednesday morning, where he explored advancements in 6G technology. He then attended the inauguration of the new incredibly smart Oulu University Hospital, which aims to be a cutting-edge facility for the future.

Stubb emphasized the urgency of improving connections in Northern Finland during his discussions. Later, he rushed to meet city officials at the Oulu City Hall, where he engaged with local leaders, including Mayor Ari Alatossava and City Council Chair Jarmo Husso.

The visit also included a public meeting at the Valkea shopping center, which attracted a crowd during the autumn school holiday. The event saw expressions of solidarity for Palestine, with attendees showcasing protest signs and flags. Stubb acknowledged the peaceful demonstration and highlighted the importance of recognizing such sentiments.

In a press conference following the public meeting, Stubb addressed infrastructure improvements related to transport links in the North, stating that there is no time to waste in the current geopolitical climate. He noted that while infrastructure projects can be slow, the window of opportunity is within the next few years. Local representatives echoed the growing significance of the north in terms of security, resilience, and logistics during their discussions with the president.

Following his Oulu engagements, President Stubb’s itinerary took him approximately 100 kilometers north to Kemi for another inauguration, this time for a new pulp mill by Metsä Group.