Member of Parliament Eemeli Peltonen (SDP), 30, died at Finland's Parliament House on Tuesday.
Parliament’s communications office confirmed that the first-term MP from Uusimaa had passed away. In a statement, the parliamentary community said it shares in his family's grief.
Peltonen held a master's degree in political science, and was a member of the Parliament's administrative and legal committees. He also served as the chair of the Järvenpää City Council.
The tabloid Iltalehti reported that an MP had committed suicide at the Parliament building. The legislature’s Director of Security, Aaro Toivonen, told Yle he did not dispute the information.
Helsinki police said the emergency call came in at 11:06 a.m. According to police, the case does not appear to involve a crime and is being investigated.
PM Orpo on MP's death: "Truly shocking news"
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (NCP) confirmed the death of an MP during a press briefing in Kajaani, where the National Coalition Party’s parliamentary group is having its annual summer meeting.
"Some time ago, we received truly shocking news from Parliament, our shared workplace. One of our colleagues has died in the parliamentary premises. This is very sad news," Orpo said.
Although details surrounding the death had not yet been confirmed, Orpo observed a moment of silence in respect.
"At the same time, we send strength to the family, loved ones and colleagues. This deeply affects all of us," he added.
Orpo said that the NCP would suspend political discussions in Kajaani for the rest of the day due to the incident.
Speaker of Parliament Jussi Halla-aho (Finns) also offered condolences in a post on social media platform X.
"On behalf of Parliament, I extend my condolences to the family and friends of Representative Peltonen. Mr Peltonen was a well-liked and respected colleague across party lines."
"Eemeli Peltonen's death deeply shocks me and all of us. He was a much loved member of our community and will be deeply missed. A young life has ended far too soon. We sympathise with the bereaved family and wish them strength in their grief," said Tytti Tuppurainen, chair of the SDP's parliamentary group.
Former SDP chair and PM Sanna Marin expressed her condolences to Peltonen's loved ones and parliamentary group on Instagram. She recalled the time she spent working with Peltonen.
"I remember you from years ago from our time together in the youth group and the party. I wish you were still with us. Your life ended too early," Marin wrote.
"It is difficult to understand, let alone accept, that our beloved friend and colleague, Eemeli, is gone and we will never see his smile or his easygoing nature again," SDP chair Antti Lindtman wrote on Instagram.
"Eemeli was a unique person in many ways. He never claimed anything for himself, but was always for the common cause of Finland and the social democratic movement," Lindtman also said.
Health issues
Earlier in June, Peltonen shared on Facebook that he was dealing with health issues, including a kidney condition. He had been absent from parliamentary work during the final weeks of the spring session and has been on sick leave over the summer.
Yle does not generally report on suicides. In this case, however, the news is reported because MPs are directly elected officials with significant public responsibilities, and the incident occurred in a public building. Confirmed reporting helps to prevent the spread of misinformation.
Huge police presence at the scene
Multiple police patrols and emergency medical teams were on site. Helsinki police told Yle that no Special Intervention Unit was deployed. They clarified that the armoured vehicle seen at the site was a standard patrol car, sent simply because it happened to be nearby.
"There is an ongoing operation involving rescue authorities, police and emergency medical services. I cannot comment further at this stage," Director of Security Toivonen told Yle.
According to a Yle source, a person inside the Parliament House described the atmosphere as "chilling".
Parliament is currently on summer recess. The autumn session is scheduled to begin on 2 September.
Anette Karlsson from Porvoo is to take Peltonen's seat. Karlsson has resigned from the SDP since her near-victory in the last election, but she is still eligible to take the seat.
If Karlsson decides to resign from Parliament, the place would be taken by former SDP chair Antti Rinne, Marin's predecessor as prime minister. If Karlsson takes the seat, Rinne would be her deputy.
The story is being updated.
