The Diet of Porvoo

The solutions carefully prepared and, to a great extent, already implemented during the war were ceremonially affirmed on 28 March 1809 at the Diet of Porvoo that Alexander I came to open in person. The single most important event at the Diet with far-reaching implications took place on 29 March 1809 when the Emperor gave the sovereign pledge and the Estates an oath of allegiance.

Swearing the oath was facilitated by Gustav IV Adolf’s abdication from the Swedish throne on the same day. Continuity was, however, ensured because Alexander I affirmed the 1773 Instrument of Government and the 1789 Act of Union and Security as Finland’s constitution.

Finland’s autonomous position was further underlined by the appointment of a special State Secretary to the throne responsible for Finnish affairs, the establishment of national governing bodies with their own civil servants, and the management of the country’s business within the framework of a national budget. Because the Emperor assumed the ultimate decision-making powers in matters related to Finland, an autonomous Grand Duchy was created for all practical purposes with the Russian ministers having no jurisdiction in its affairs.

As a result, Finland’s special position was guaranteed by the Emperor’s person. In the grand speeches in honour of the occasion Finland was raised to the status of a nation among nations.