|
Tarja Halonen was inaugurated in March 2000 on the same day that a new Constitution entered into force. Although the new Constitution limited the powers of the President, she defended her powers with determination, especially in questions relating to foreign policy and in her role as Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces. President Halonen defined her role by stating that the President should be legitimate, strong and cooperative. Halonen handled her military and state duties as meticulously as her predecessors but placed greater emphasis on equality issues and was more straightforward in her conduct. One could bump into the President in everyday situations, such as in shops, riding the bus or even at belly dance classes. In the summer of her first year as President, Tarja Halonen married her long-time partner Dr. Pentti Arajärvi. She also rejuvenated the traditional Independence Day Reception when she hosted it for the first time. Among the guests were more young influential people, representatives of non-governmental organisations and cultural figures.
|