30-Year-Old Lawmaker Dies by Suicide in Finnish Parliament Building: Reports

Finnish politician Eemeli Peltonen has died by suicide at the age of 30, local media reports confirm.

On Tuesday, Aug. 19, the Parliament of Finland announced that Peltonen had “passed away at the Parliament Building” earlier that day.

“He was a first-term MP from the electoral district of Uusimaa. He represented the Social Democratic Parliamentary Group,” the statement read. It added, “The parliamentary community extends its condolences to his family.”

Local outlet Helsingin Sanomat (HS) reported that the Helsinki Police Command Center responded to notifications of a death at around 11 a.m. local time on Tuesday. Both HS and Ilta-Sanomat identified the cause of death as suicide. HS noted that police are investigating the incident, though foul play is not suspected.

Ilta-Sanomat cited security director Aaro Toivonen, who declined to confirm or deny details regarding the suicide.

Finland’s Prime Minister, Petteri Orpo, said, “Some time ago, we received truly shocking news from parliament, our common workplace. One of our colleagues has passed away on parliament premises. This is truly sad news,” as reported by The Telegraph.

He added, “We wish strength to his family, loved ones and colleagues. This deeply touches all of us, we send greetings and strength to everyone.”

According to reports, MPs in the Finnish parliament are currently on summer break and are expected to return to work on Sept. 2.

Peltonen last posted on Instagram on June 26, explaining that he was taking time off work after experiencing a kidney problem that developed into an infection. “I’m already discharged from hospital, but due to the situation I’m on summer sick leave and I’m now fully focused on recovering from the illness. For this reason, I will get back to your possible messages and contacts later,” he wrote, accompanied by a photo of pink flowers.

Peltonen became a first-term MP in 2023, according to Iltalehti. Prior to his election, he worked as a communications expert and parliamentary assistant for the Finnish Service Industries Union (PAM), HS reported.

Requests for further comment from Petteri Orpo’s office and the National Police Board of Finland were not immediately returned.