Finnish President Alexander Stubb thanked guests for “good food, bad food and everything in between.” Finnish newspaper Ilta-Sanomat reported that the remark followed a visit by Felipe VI and Letizia to Helsinki and Rovaniemi.
Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia were in Finland for a two-day state visit that included Helsinki and Rovaniemi. The city of Rovaniemi said the visit took place on October 6 and 7 at Stubb’s invitation.
After the king delivered a speech referring to Finnish culture, Stubb thanked those involved in the visit and joked about good and bad food. Ilta-Sanomat described the remark as ill-judged and unrelated to the Spanish delegation. Lenta.ru also reported the comment as a remark at the ceremony, rather than criticism of a particular dish or the hosts.
The account of the joke is based on the Finnish newspaper’s report. Official information about the visit confirms its dates and itinerary but does not assess the president’s words.