Ansprachen zum Nationalfeiertag Finnlands 2025

Der Botschafter Finnlands in der Schweiz und in Liechtenstein, Okko-Pekka Salmimies und seine Frau Riikka Tiitola-Salmimies , haben in Bern einen Empfang zum finnischen Unabhängigkeitstag gegeben. Neben den Reden von Frau Nationalrätin Maja Riniker und Botschafter Salmimies war der Auftritt von Jukka Kuoppamäki und seiner Tochter Inka Auhagen ein Höhepunkt des Anlasses.

Der Nationalfeiertag Finnlands wurde in diesem Jahr im wunderschönen Saal des Berner Rathauses begangen. Neben der traditionellen Rede des Botschafters sprach auch die ehemalige Nationalratspräsidentin Maja Riniker zu den Gästen. Der besondere Höhepunkt des Abends war jedoch der Auftritt des legendären finnischen Schlagersängers Jukka Kuoppamäki und seiner Tochter Inka Auhagen, die vier seiner bekanntesten Lieder – „Sininen ja valkoinen“, „Pieni mies“, „Anna mulle tähtitaivas“ und „Juuret Suomessa“ – vor einem begeisterten Publikum präsentierten.

Ansprache des Botschafters Salmimies

Sehr geehrte Frau Alt-Nationalratspräsidentin und Nationalrätin Riniker, Exzellenzen, geschätzte Kolleginnen und Kollegen, liebe Landsleute,

Es freut mich sehr, dass so viele unserer Einladung gefolgt sind. Herzlich willkommen zur Feier des 108. Unabhängigkeitstages Finnlands.

Zunächst einmal möchte ich unserem Gastland, der Schweiz, und auch Liechtenstein danken, dass meine Frau Riikka und ich hier so freundlich aufgenommen worden sind.

Im Namen der Botschaft von Finnland möchte ich der Schweiz auch ein grosses «Merci» für die Organisation von zwei grossartigen Anlässen aussprechen, die früher in diesem Jahr stattgefunden haben. Finnland hat mit Begeisterung sowohl am EURO 25-Frauenfussballturnier als auch am Eurovision Song Contest teilgenommen.  

Von meinen Kolleginnen und Kollegen bei der finnischen Botschaft habe ich erfahren, dass beide Veranstaltungen nicht nur ein voller Erfolg waren, sondern auch sehr viel Spass gemacht haben.

As relatively new in my job here, I have tried to study the different dimensions of the relations between Finland and Switzerland. It probably does not come as a surprise to anyone, when I say that our bilateral relations are in an excellent shape. They are strong and diverse, with a lot of potential for further development.

In the economic field it is particularly pleasing to see that Switzerland has become the fourth most important export market for Finland in trade in services. Swiss companies are increasingly investing in Finland, in health and energy sectors particularly. Both countries have vibrant start-up ecosystems, with increasing mutual interaction. There are also discussions in process to intensify science and innovation cooperation.

These positive dynamics are supported by the many things we have in common: both countries are trust based and resilient societies, precision and engineering skills are highly appreciated, the relationship to nature is extremely important, innovation is the primary source for generating wealth and prosperity, there is a strong commitment for democracy, rule of law, human rights and maintaining a welfare state. Also notably, both countries have more than one official languages.

Finland and Switzerland are also important reference countries to each other in international organizations and rankings. In recent international comparisons addressing innovation, digitalization, education, governance, low corruption, sustainability and of course happiness, both Finland and Switzerland can be found in each of them among the top ten countries.

Scoring high in international rankings and being likeminded is not just a fun fact, diplomatic compliment, or tapping each other on the shoulder. Being a good match also provides concrete possibilities for peer learning and cooperation. For instance, when addressing complex socio-economic challenges in our societies, like how to support the transition to carbon free solutions, introduce safe ways to utilize Artificial Intelligence, increase productivity, or how to stay ahead of the curve in digital transition, it is very useful to exchange experiences and lessons learnt among peers. 

A topical sector of strong mutual interest between Finland and Switzerland is security and defense. The comprehensive security concept of Finland, covering civil protection, national emergency supply and military capabilities, together with experiences as a recent Nato member, has generated great interest in Switzerland. Vice versa, Finland is interested in Swiss technological and operational capabilities. Security and defense were high on the agenda when a Swiss Parliamentary delegation led by the Former President of the National Council Ms. Riniker, visited Finland last month.

Finland and Switzerland are also active in trying to improve the severely damaged European security system. The two countries are taking responsibility in leadership in collective efforts. Finland has been chairing the Organization for the Security and Cooperation OSCE this year, and Switzerland will take over the Presidency as of January first. The cooperation between the current and incoming Presidencies has been seamless.

Finland is a society where history is remembered. There is a strong sentiment of gratitude and respect for the past generations when celebrating the Independence Day.

Gratitude and respect, to those people who took the initiative and the risk 108 years ago when Finland declared her independence.

Gratitude and respect, to those men and women, who sacrificed their lives when the Soviet Union unprovokedly, and without declaration, attacked Finland exactly 86 years ago. In the so-called winter war, Finland defended the attack of the overpowered Soviet enemy and kept her independence.

Today, when the war is still raging in Europe, our thoughts and minds are also with the Ukrainian people heroically defending their country against Russia’s war of aggression. For Finland, the most important thing has been, and still is, to continue supporting Ukraine’s independency, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. Our political leaders have continuously stated, that only Ukraine her-self can determine the acceptable conditions for peace.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The year 2026 will mark 100 years of bilateral diplomatic relations between Finland and Switzerland. The Anniversary provides an opportunity to celebrate the past successes, but also to plan jointly for the future. The celebration is not only about governmental relations and activities, but also very much about people-to-people interaction.

Almost 10.000 Finns live in Switzerland. Among these, there are many prominent influencers and stars in their own fields. Top scientists, artists, designers, business executives and so on. Not to forget professional athletes, including 21 Finnish Hockey players in the Swiss National Hockey League.

Olen erittäin iloinen siitä, että Sveitsissä on aktiivinen suomalaisten ja Suomen ystävien yhteisö, joka pitää yllä suomalaisen kulttuurin ja Suomen kielen tuntemusta. Lämmin kiitos aktivisteille panoksestanne sekä erinomaisista keskusteluista yhteistyön kehittämiseksi.

When celebrating the Anniversary next year, we want to acknowledge the importance of individuals with Finnish and or Swiss backgrounds. At the Finnish Embassy we took a head start to the Anniversary earlier this week by releasing a pod cast highlighting the 160th anniversary of our national composer Jean Sibelius.

Today, we have the pleasure of enjoying another Legend of Finnish Music canon. Maestro Jukka Kuoppamäki composed in the 70s a song called Blue and White, which became so popular, that it is considered as the second national anthem of Finland. He will perform for us together with his daughter Inka Auhagen.

 Je voudrais vous remercier tous, d'être venus célebrer avec nous aujourd'hui.  Nos remerciements particuliers, vont à Madame l'ancienne présidente du Conseil national, et conseillère nationale Riniker.

Avant de passer la parole à Mme Riniker, je veux remercier mes excellent collegues  à L'Ambassade, ainsi que nos sponsors:

• Les vins Dubois Fils, de notre nouvel consul honoraire en Suisse Romande, Monsieur Salomon Dubois
• MinGin, finnische long drinks
• und die finnische Weltklasse Schokolade von Fazer.

Ich möchte jetzt Frau Riniker bitten das Wort zu ergreifen.

Vielen Dank, Merci, Grazie, Thank you, Tack, Kiitos.

Ansprache von Nationalrätin Maja Riniker

Hyvää itsenäisyyspäivää!
On suuri kunnia juhlia tätä päivää kanssanne.

Sehr geehrter Herr Botschafter,
sehr geehrte Frau Tiitola-Salmimies,
Exzellenzen,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a pleasure and an honour to celebrate Finland’s Independence Day with you today — here in the historic Rathaus of Bern, a house of democracy that reflects many of the values Finland holds dear: resilience, responsibility, and dignity.
Vor wenigen Wochen durfte ich Finnland als Präsidentin des Nationalrats besuchen — und dieser Besuch hat mich stärker geprägt, als ich erwartet hätte. Finland leaves an impression — subtle, but lasting. The very first moment, when we entered the Merihaka Civil Defence Shelter, set the tone. What Finland builds under the ground says as much about the country as what Switzerland builds on top of mountains. Both nations understand security not as a theory but as a responsibility to their people.
Später im Parlament, when Speaker Jussi Halla-aho greeted me, I felt something deeply familiar — a culture of political clarity and institutional respect. Our discussion was calm, direct, with no unnecessary embellishment. That is something Finns and Swiss both appreciate: a sentence that means exactly what it says.
Der Applaus im Plenum, als meine Anwesenheit angekündigt wurde, war ein Moment echter Freundschaft. It showed sincerity — something you cannot script.

Next year, Switzerland and Finland celebrate 100 years of diplomatic relations — a century of cooperation built not on noise, but on trust.
Our countries share a rare symmetry:
– a deep respect for nature,
– a culture of precision,
– democratic modesty paired with strong institutions,
– and a sense of humour that delivers maximum effect with minimum words.
Both our nations have learned to thrive quietly — without loudness, without drama, with long-term confidence. And in this spirit of continuity and friendship, I had the pleasure of extending an official invitation to Speaker Jussi Halla-aho to visit the Swiss Parliament.
A visit that will allow us to deepen our parliamentary dialogue, strengthen institutional ties, and mark the beginning of the next century of our relations.

Finnland hat sicherheitspolitisch historische Schritte gemacht. Your accession to NATO strengthened Europe. It sent a clear message — to Europe, to Russia, and to every democracy under pressure.
Finland is one of the strongest supporters of Ukraine worldwide — per capita and in conviction. Thirty defence packages, long-term cooperation, and moral clarity: this is leadership.

Switzerland, while neutral, is not passive. Neutrality means responsibility — to international law, sovereignty, and human dignity. We are proud to join Finland in the Shelter Coalition, protecting civilians from Russian attacks.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We are entering a decade in which global stability can no longer be taken for granted. Hybrid threats, disinformation, cyberattacks, energy insecurity and pressure on democratic institutions concern both Finland and Switzerland. During my discussions with Minister Antti Häkkänen, I was struck by Finland’s strategic clarity: security is no longer a sector — it is a mindset.
Switzerland shares this understanding. We are strengthening our civil protection, modernising our armed forces and investing in preparedness. But there is one area where Finland truly inspires: the culture of readiness. Every Finn knows what to do in crisis. In Switzerland, we also prepare — mostly for winter sports.

Switzerland and Finland consistently rank among the world’s most innovative nations. This is no coincidence. Innovation thrives where education, reliability, trust and silence are taken seriously.
Unsere Länder sind wirtschaftlich klein, aber technologisch gross. Whether in clean energy, AI ethics, pharmaceuticals, cybersecurity or sustainable design — Finland and Switzerland often approach challenges from similar angles.
Culturally, our nations share an aesthetic of clarity. Aalto and our Swiss modernists would have had much to discuss. Sibelius could have composed for the Alps. And Moomins and Heidi would certainly have been friends.

Diplomatie darf lächeln — besonders heute.
In Switzerland, we discuss snow.  In Finland, snow has the final word.
In ice hockey, Finland is a world power. Switzerland tries hard — and compensates with chocolate.
Both countries value silence.  But when a Finn breaks the silence, you should listen. When a Swiss breaks it, someone is opening a fondue pot. And punctuality? Both nations treasure it — but only one has trains running on time at minus 25 degrees. Not us.

The visit to the patrol boat Turva was unforgettable. For someone from a landlocked country, standing on a maritime high-tech vessel was enlightening. Finland guards not only its borders, but Europe’s northern horizon. Beim Abendessen im Restaurant Savoy — geprägt von Aaltos Geist — wurde mir bewusst: Diplomatie entsteht nicht nur in Sitzungssälen. Sie entsteht beim Zuhören, beim Essen, beim Lachen — und manchmal beim Dessert.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
The world needs partnerships that are principled, reliable and forward-looking. Switzerland and Finland are such partners.
Together, we strengthen democratic resilience.
Together, we support Ukraine.
Together, we innovate and protect what matters.
And together, we can write the next century of our relations with the same trust that shaped the last.

Hyvää itsenäisyyspäivää ja kiitos!
Thank you very much for the invitation. It is an honour to celebrate this day with you.
Let us raise our glasses — to the friendship between our countries, to our precious cooperation and to our common effort in defending our democratic values and freedom.
Kippis!