Tragedy as MP, 30, kills himself in Finland’s parliament building weeks after revealing health battles

A young Finnish MP has taken his own life in the country’s parliament building just weeks after revealing his health battles.

SDP MP Eemeli Peltonen, 30, was confirmed to have died in the parliament building today at around 11am.  

The first-term representative was elected to parliament in 2023, and was a member of its Administrative Committee and Legal Committee, as well as a city councillor of Järvenpää and the chairman of the city board.

In June, Peltonen revealed on social media that he was receiving treatment for kidney problems and had taken a few weeks off his parliamentary duties to recover at home. 

But he later revealed that he had contracted a bacterial infection while being treated. 

He said prior to his death: ‘To control the bacteria, I was started on an intravenous antibiotic course in [hospital], which will take time. At the same time, treatment for my kidney problems will continue.’

Police investigating the incident reportedly do not suspect foul play, while paramedics are also at the scene. Emergency services are said to have received a call at 11.06am today. 

Finnish broadcaster Yle reported that at least one ambulance, a firetruck and two police vehicles were present at the Parliament Building. 

One person who works nearby told the outlet: ‘Ambulances drove behind the Parliament Building with their whistles blaring. Then a full-size fire truck, a police car and, with a slight delay, an armored police Mercedes also drove there.’

Security Director Aaro Toivonen neither confirmed nor denied the initial reports, instead telling local media: ‘There is a mission underway, with rescue authorities, police and emergency services on site. I cannot say more than that at this stage.

‘I can’t say what the emergency response from the emergency center has been. Parliament is a bit of an exceptional site, so one could imagine that such things have been considered when the situation has been unclear.’

Peltonen was elected to parliament in 2023 with nearly 6,000 votes. He began his political career at just 18 after being elected to his local city council with 153 votes. 

At just 22, he became the chairman of his city’s council, the youngest person to hold the position. 

He graduated from the University of Helsinki in 2020 with a Master’s degree in Political Science.  

Finland’s PM Petteri Orpo said the ministerial group of the Coalition Party, the ruling party, would ‘stop talking about politics’ for a time in response to the tragedy. 

He added: ‘We received some really shocking news some time ago from Parliament, our shared workplace, that one of our colleagues has passed away on Parliament premises. Really sad news.’

Jussi Halla-aho, the speaker of Finland’s parliament, said of Peltonen’s passing: ‘On behalf of the Parliament, I express my condolences to the family and loved ones of Representative Peltonen. 

‘Peltonen was a well-liked and respected colleague across party lines.’

Finland’s parliament is currently in recess, with the autumn session set to begin on September 2. 

More to follow.  

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