Finnish MP Eemeli Peltonen, 30, dies in Parliament building

Eemeli Peltonen, MP from Finland's Social Democratic Party, died in Finland's Parliament building. He was 30. Photo / Markku Ulander, Lehtikuva, AFP

A young Finnish MP has died inside the national Parliament in a case that has devastated the Nordic state’s political class.

Eemeli Peltonen, 30, a promising centre-left MP, was found dead in the Eduskunta premises around 11am on Tuesday.

Iltalehti, a Finnish newspaper, reported that an MP had taken their own life but did not identify them by name until their next of kin had been notified.

Petteri Orpo, the Prime Minister of Finland, confirmed the death in a statement, adding that his National Coalition party would suspend political discussions for the day as a mark of respect.

“Some time ago, we received truly shocking news from Parliament, our common workplace. One of our colleagues has died on Parliament premises. This is truly sad news,” Orpo said.

“At the same time, we wish strength to his family, loved ones and colleagues. This deeply touches all of us, we send greetings and strength to everyone.”

The Finnish Parliament was on summer recess, with MPs due to return to work on September 2, when the death occurred.

Peltonen, a member of the centre-Left Social Democratic Party, was in his first term as an MP after winning his seat in 2023.

Before winning his seat, he had served as the chairman of the Jarvenpaa city council from 2017 to 2021. During that time, he was the youngest chairman of a council in Finland.

Iltalehti reported that Peltonen was a 2020 graduate from the University of Helsinki with a master’s degree in political science.

Sofia Nevalainen, the MP’s wife, paid tribute to him in a statement on Instagram.

“You were my everything. I love you forever. On behalf of Eemel’s family, I now ask for time and peace to grieve. We will not comment further on this matter to the media,” she said.

Peltonen is understood to have gone on sick leave in June owing to what he described at the time as a kidney illness.

In a post earlier this year on social media outlining his reasons for sick leave, the MP said he was receiving medical treatment for kidney issues and that his recovery had been complicated by an infection.

“To control the bacteria, I was started on an intravenous antibiotic course ... which will take time. At the same time, treatment for my kidney problems will continue,” he said in June.

‘Shocking, heartbreaking news’

Paivi Rasanen, a Finnish MP, said it was “shocking, heartbreaking news about the loss of a colleague”.

“I assume that the sad news will be conveyed to the family before the person is publicly announced. I deeply share the great sorrow of the family and remember them with prayers.”

She told the Ilta Sanomat newspaper: “I believe that this will mark the beginning of autumn in parliament. Despite the political tensions, it is a close-knit working community.”

Rasanen said a memorial service would be held at the beginning of the session, adding: “There will be tears.”

The head of security for the Finnish Parliament gave a brief statement after Peltonen’s body was found but did not give any detail about the cause of death.

“A death took place in the morning. Emergency medical services, rescue units, and police authorities were alerted to the scene via the emergency centre,” said Aaro Toivonen.

The national flag of Finland has been lowered to half-mast in response to the news of his death.