Analysis details Soviet threats targeting former Finnish prime minister

New research by political scientist Alpo Rusi published in Iltalehti sheds further light on Soviet intelligence operations in Finland during the late 1970s and early 1980s. The analysis examines threats directed at former Prime Minister and National Conciliator Keijo Liinamaa shortly before his death in late 1980.

According to the report, Liinamaa confided in a foreign diplomat about receiving threats connected to his labor mediation efforts. Soviet operatives sought to exploit Finland's internal labor market instability and political divisions during the declining years of President Urho Kekkonen's administration. The covert efforts were aimed at maintaining Moscow's influence over Finnish governance and steering the upcoming presidential succession.

Sources: Iltalehti