President of the Republic Sauli Niinistö’s statement following the death of former President of the Republic Mauno Koivisto

Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
Press release 24/2017
12.5.2017

On Friday, we received the sorrowful news of the death of former President of the Republic Mauno Koivisto. Koivisto passed away in Helsinki at the age of 93.

With Mauno Koivisto’s passing, Finland’s political life has lost its last representative of the generation that fought in the Second World War, took part in the subsequent reconstruction and served in key positions guiding the country towards the success and prosperity enjoyed today.

Koivisto’s career is a Finnish success story without equal: a young man, born to a humble home, who went on to become a university lecturer, a bank director and finally to serve at the very top in the political life of the country.

Serving for twelve years as President of the Republic, Mauno Koivisto left a lasting imprint, shaping Finland’s public life and foreign policy. Koivisto was a committed democrat and defender of parliamentarianism. He was also a highly knowledgeable and valued partner in dialogue at international level.

Mauno Koivisto’s legacy as President of the Republic has provided an excellent foundation for his successors, myself included.

We are deeply grateful to Mauno Koivisto for his influential and inspiring contribution over many years for the benefit of Finland.