Ex-President Niinistö: Norway's late King Harald was a 'wise elder'

Finnish politicians are reacting to the passing of the Norwegian king, Harald V, who died on Friday. His successor, Crown Prince Haakon, immediately ascended the throne. Norway's government on Friday declared a period of national mourning, which will continue until the king's funeral. President Alexander Stubb expressed his condolences on the death of Harald in a post on X. European Parliament member Anna-Maja Henriksson meanwhile said she shares the grief of the Norwegian people and the royal family. President Niinistö pays warm tribute Former Finnish President Sauli Niinistö described the late King Harald of Norway as a wise leader. "He was not only a king but also a very good-humoured person," Niinistö told Yle in an interview. Niinistö said the king was a "wise elder" who knew how to make his views count. "He was very easy to talk to about a wide range of subjects, and he also used a lot of humour." Harald had a very positive view of Finland, and Nordic cooperation was important to him. Their conversations sometimes touched on historical events as well. Niinistö and King Harald met around ten times over the years at international gatherings. "King Harald lived for his nation and its success. And now that nation carries on," Niinistö said.