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In this day and age, many things that have been taken for granted are being challenged and new futures are being created at an unprecedented rate. That’s the theme of this year’s traditional Independence Day reception at the Presidential Palace.

The presidential couple walking to the ecumenical jubilee service in the Helsinki Cathedral, which is traditionally held before the Independence Day reception at the Presidential Palace on December 6, 2022. Photograph: TONY ÖHBERG/FINLAND TODAY

President Sauli Niinistö, and his spouse, Jenni Haukio, will host the traditional Independence Day reception at the Presidential Palace on the Independence Day, December 6, with the theme “Changing Times.”

“We live in a time when many things we have taken for granted are being questioned and new futures are being created at an unprecedented pace. Our common task is to find solutions to the challenges we face and to ensure that we are heading in the right direction,” President Niinistö said in a statement.

The presidential couple will invite some 1,700 guests who have distinguished themselves in different ways in different fields.

The guests are a diverse group of people with long and illustrious careers who have been pioneers, role models and mentors in their fields. They also include skilled young innovators, pioneers working with key success factors for the future and professionals who guarantee security in society and everyday life. In addition, special attention has been given to activities that support children and young people. As in previous years, a significant number of guests were invited for the first time.

The guests of honor at the Independence Day reception will be war veterans and members of the women’s voluntary civil defense organization Lotta Svärd.

Having served the maximum of two terms in office, this will be the last time that President Niinistö will host the Independence Day Reception at the Presidential Palace.

The next Finnish presidential elections are held on January 28, 2024.

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