Laura Huhtasaari of the right-wing Finns party has become the only contender betting on a ban on traditional religious clothing that hides the face and body, i.e. the burqa and the niqab.
During an election debate Huhtasaari defended her position by saying that burqa bans are not something unique and have been already introduced in several European countries, such as France.
"I do not understand why women should be 'invisible.' Also, it is also a matter of security. In our culture, women do not hide themselves completely," the right-wing candidate said as quoted by the Finnish newspaper Iltalehti.
Finnish presidential candidate @LauraHuhtasaari speaks out against Swedish females wearing Hijab when they visit Iran. pic.twitter.com/lyOrKu7JKm
— Christian Kurd (@JPY_Kurdish) January 24, 2018
In addition to her desire to protect Finland from "political Islam" Laura Huhtasaari also stands out by her desire to shield the Finnish national state from the EU. In her interview with national broadcaster Yle, Huhtasaari expressed sharp criticism of the EU, stating that she would have voted against Finnish membership, had the referendum on that matter been organized today.
"Finland is part of the West. No military alliance is needed to be part of the West. NATO is also a political union, not just a military alliance. I do not want Finland to be involved in all NATO has to offer," Huhtasaari told Yle.
According to Huhtasaari, the issue should be settled via a referendum, and opinion polls over the last decade have consequently shown the vast prevalence of NATO opponents in the country.
READ ALSO: NATO Boss Courting Finland by 'Friends-With-Benefits' Arrangement
While vehemently opposing NATO membership, Huhtasaari expressed her support for US President Donald Trump, who, she claimed, "takes America in the right direction," despite being besmirched "like no other superpower leader."
However, relations with Russia are also a central issue for Huhtasaari. Coming to terms with their vast eastern neighbor is important in any event, Huhtasaari stressed.
"It is not necessary to have common values to cooperate with one's neighbors. There is no alternative to reaching agreements with Russia," Huhtasaari stressed, emphasizing the necessity of focusing on issues that unite Helsinki and Moscow, such as trade and cultural exchange.
READ ALSO: 'Moscow-Friendly' Kekkonen Chosen Finland's Best President
In addition, Huhtasaari is the only candidate who is against maintaining compulsory Swedish courses as part of the Finnish school curriculum, also known as "public servant's Swedish."
Huhtasaari kuuluu toiselle kierrokselle. #presidenttivaalit2018 #huhtasaari #presidentinvaalit pic.twitter.com/lShgSXDCg3
— Teme🇫🇮 (@BattleOfTyr) January 22, 2018
The first round of presidential elections in Finland will be held on January 28, 2018. The current head of state Sauli Niinistö is being challenged by Paavo Väyrynen, an ardent supporter of Finland's departure from the Eurozone, NATO-supporter Nils Torvalds of the Swedish People's Party, Merja Kyllonen of the Left Alliance, Social Democrat Tuula Haatainen betting on a feminist agenda, former Prime Minister and Center Party's candidate Matti Vanhanen and Greens leader Pekka Haavisto.
Over the past two months, support for Sauli Niinistö has plummeted by 17 percent, a gain shared by most contenders. Huhtasaari is currently polling third, according to Yle.
