Tarja Halonen’s visit to the Moomin reading marathon reminded many viewers of a character she has often been compared to.
The Swedish media compared Tarja Halo to Moominma during her first state visit in the 2000s, and the comparison has since remained alive. Atte Kajova
Tarja Halonen participated in the weekend event For the Moomin reading marathonwhich is shown live at Yle Areena.
Halonen’s visit reminded many viewers again of a familiar character to whom he has been compared before:
– Lovely Moomin-Tarja! wrote one viewer in Yle’s chat.
After his reading shift, Halonen recalled to Iltalehte the uproar caused by the Moomin mummy parable in the 21st century.
– The Swedish media wanted to be polite to me. After all, Moomin is the best thing they know. But the attitude of the Finnish media was that: “It’s a miracle, now it was too big a handbag”, she recalled.
She emphasizes that she has never marketed herself as a Moomin mom, but the designation has since survived.
The appointment started with Tarja Halonen’s first state visit to Sweden. Photo from the visit in 2000. KARI VALLEY
When asked if Halone feels the comparison is valid, he cannot give a clear answer.
– Now it’s out of this world, but I think it’s pretty funny. No one has said about Ahtisaari that he is Moominpapa, or Sauli Niinistö. It has its pros and cons, the president states calmly.
According to Halonen, the meaning of the designation today largely depends on the viewer’s interpretation of whether it is seen as relevant or inappropriate. He also emphasizes that Moomin is a much more versatile character than is often thought.
– He has his own world and personality just like everyone else, but everyone can like the Moomin moms and dads what they want. It was never more than a (parable) for me. Fortunately, it’s quite friendly, at least it’s not called Mörö now, Halonen laughs.
“Moomin’s handbag” that caused a stir in the photo. Laakso Kari
Tarja Halonen’s comparison to Moomin is based on her first state visit to Sweden in 2000 together with her husband Pentti Arajärvi.
At that time, Swedish journalists christened Halonen Moominma because of her style of dress, her handbag and her external features. The appointment caused a stir at the time, and was used to criticize Halonen’s dressing and management.
Halo has been called Moomin mommy also because of her warm and empathetic personality. The president himself has reacted to the comparison with humor and said that he identifies with the character. Nowadays, the name has been established in a positive and warm meaning.
