Sauli Niinisto has been sworn in as Finland's new president following his overwhelming election victory in February, AP reported.

The 63-year-old Niinisto is Finland's 12th president but the first conservative head of state in more than 50 years, ending three decades of Social Democratic domination of the presidency.

It is largely a ceremonial role that is not directly involved in daily politics.

Niinisto, a former finance minister and lawyer, took his oath of office on Thursday, March 1 in the 200-seat Parliament. He will serve a six-year term.

Niinisto's predecessor, Tarja Halonen, could not run for re-election after serving two six-year terms.