Finland has been thrown into mourning after Eemeli Peltonen, a 30-year-old lawmaker representing the Social Democratic Party (SDP), was found dead inside the parliament building in Helsinki on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.
According to Finnish media, Peltonen is believed to have taken his own life.
Police confirmed they were called to the Eduskuntatalo parliamentary complex at around 11:06 local time (08:06 GMT).
A heavy security presence was later spotted around the building, though investigators said no foul play was suspected.
His death was formally announced three hours later in a short statement from parliament, which said the entire political community shared in the grief of his family and relatives.
The news stunned Finland’s political establishment. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo immediately suspended all parliamentary activity for the rest of the day, even though the legislature was already on summer recess.
He also led a minute of silence in Peltonen’s memory, describing him as a well-liked young man with a promising career.
“He was respected by colleagues across the political spectrum,” Orpo told public broadcaster YLE.
Similar tributes poured in from across party lines. Parliamentary Speaker Jussi Halla-aho said on social media that Peltonen had earned the respect of friends and rivals alike.
Tytti Tuppurainen, chair of the SDP parliamentary group, described him as “a much-loved member of our community,” adding: “A young life has ended far too early, and his absence will be deeply felt.”
Peltonen, who represented Uusimaa region in southern Finland, was serving his first term in the legislature after being elected in 2023.
Despite his youth, he had already built a reputation as a rising figure in Finnish politics.
He entered public service at the age of 18, when he was elected a city councillor in Järvenpää.
Four years later, at just 22, he became chairman of the city board — the youngest ever to hold the position.
In late June, Peltonen disclosed on his social media accounts that he had been battling a serious kidney infection.
He revealed that he had undergone hospital treatment with intravenous antibiotics and was taking sick leave to focus on recovery.
His final public post expressed optimism about regaining his health, making his sudden death even more devastating for supporters and colleagues.