Kaarlo Juho Ståhlberg
Kaarlo Juho Ståhlberg (Finland Swedish: [ˈstoːlbærj], Finnish: [ˈstoːlbæri]; 28 January 1865 – 22 September 1952) was a Finnish jurist and academic who was one of the most important pioneers of republicanism in the country. He was the first president of Finland (1919–1925) and a liberal nationalist.
Kaarlo Juho Ståhlberg | |
|---|---|
Ståhlberg in 1919 | |
| 1st President of Finland | |
| In office 26 July 1919 – 2 March 1925 | |
| Prime Minister | Kaarlo Castrén Juho Vennola Rafael Erich Aimo Kaarlo Cajander Kyösti Kallio Lauri Ingman |
| Preceded by | Office established |
| Succeeded by | Lauri Kristian Relander |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Carl Johan Ståhlberg 28 January 1865 Suomussalmi, Grand Duchy of Finland, Russian Empire |
| Died | 22 September 1952 (aged 87) Helsinki, Finland |
| Resting place | Hietaniemi Cemetery |
| Political party | National Progressive Party (ED) |
| Spouse(s) | Hedvig Irene Wåhlberg (desc.); Ester Hällström |
| Profession | Lawyer; Civil servant; Professor; Judge |
Ståhlberg was an important figure in the drafting of Finland's republican constitution. As a jurist, he anchored the state in liberal democracy, guarded the fragile germ of the rule of law, and embarked on internal reforms. In implementing the form of government of 1919, Ståhlberg piloted an independent Finland towards acting in world politics; in presidential-led foreign and security policy, he relied on international law and diplomacy.
It was only after the opening of private archives of President J. K. Paasikivi that it was realized that Ståhlberg had a very significant political role as an “éminence grise” until his death. He was asked for advice and opinions, which were also followed. Paasikivi highly valued Ståhlberg, and even described his predecessor in exaggerated words: “Ståhlberg was a man who never made mistakes”.