Constitutionalists

The Constitutionalists were a political faction in Finland during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily active during the period of Russian rule. This group, which included the Swedish Party and the Young Finnish Party, advocated for upholding Finland's autonomy and resisted Russian attempts at Russification. They demanded that illegal Russian enactments not be observed. In contrast, the Compliers (or Old Finnish Party) were willing to make concessions that did not compromise Finland's vital interests. The Constitutionalists were dismissed from their offices and their leaders were exiled due to their stance. Kaarlo Juho Ståhlberg, the first president of independent Finland, was a member of the Constitutionalist Party.123