Former Finnish prime minister Keijo Liinamaa faced Soviet threats, political scientist says

Political scientist Alpo Rusi has detailed Soviet intelligence pressure directed at former Finnish Prime Minister Keijo Liinamaa in a column published by Iltalehti. According to Rusi, Liinamaa, who also served as Finland's national conciliator, disclosed to a diplomat shortly before his death in December 1980 that he was subjected to explicit threats by Soviet operatives.

The actions were part of wider KGB efforts to influence Finnish domestic politics and shape the country's presidential succession during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Liinamaa led an interim government in 1975 and played a key role in settling major labor disputes during a delicate era of Cold War diplomacy. The details shed further light on Moscow's covert interference in Helsinki's political affairs.

Sources: Iltalehti