Soviet intelligence pressured former Finnish prime minister before his death, article says

Political scientist Alpo Rusi has detailed Soviet covert influence operations in Finland during the political transition surrounding the end of President Urho Kekkonen's tenure. Writing in an opinion piece for Iltalehti, Rusi highlighted how former Prime Minister and National Conciliator Keijo Liinamaa faced intense threats from Soviet intelligence officers shortly before his sudden death in December 1980.

Liinamaa reportedly disclosed these KGB intimidations to a diplomat prior to his passing. According to Rusi, Moscow utilized covert pressure tactics to interfere in Finnish domestic affairs and steer the presidential succession toward candidates aligned with Soviet interests during a delicate political shift in Helsinki.

Sources: Iltalehti