Political scientist reveals KGB pressure on former Finnish prime minister Keijo Liinamaa

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Posted Oct 28, 2026, 10:00 AM UTC · In the digest of 2026-10-28-1000
Political scientist reveals KGB pressure on former Finnish prime minister Keijo Liinamaa
Photo: Iltalehti

Political scientist Alpo Rusi has outlined historical evidence detailing KGB covert pressure aimed at former Finnish Prime Minister Keijo Liinamaa in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Political scientist Alpo Rusi has highlighted historical evidence detailing covert KGB pressure aimed at Keijo Liinamaa, a former Finnish prime minister and national conciliator, during the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Writing in Iltalehti, Rusi documented how Soviet intelligence operatives targeted Liinamaa to influence domestic political maneuvering and labor market negotiations during the final years of President Urho Kekkonen's administration. According to Rusi, Liinamaa disclosed these intimidation attempts to foreign diplomats shortly before his unexpected death in December 1980. The account details Moscow's broader strategic efforts to shape political succession and maintain leverage within Finland during the Cold War.

Sources: Iltalehti

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