He personified political power for decades and succeeded in the impossible; to keep the Soviet Union in a good mood, but at what cost? Was he in fact a puppet and a dictator or was it because of his political skill that Finland retained its independence and was not occupied?
Kekkonen was both loved and despised, while his private life was filled with parties and stories of infidelity. After decades in power, his last days in life were marked by illness. He relinquished power 40 years ago, but his spirit still rests over the Republic of Finland.
Participants:
Timo Kekkonen, grandson of Urho Kekkonen.
Henrik Meinander, Professor of Swedish-language history, University of Helsinki.
Kati Katajisto, historian at the University of Helsinki.
Pär Stenbäck, former politician (SFP) and colleague of Urho Kekkonen.
Jaakko Iloniemi, former top diplomat.
Staffan Bruun, former journalist at Hufvudstadsbladet.
The program has been made by Julia Wiræus.
Manufacturer var Lotta Hoppu.
Sources:
Hyvärinen, Pekka: Suomen mies – Urho Kekkosen elämä
Mattson, Anne: Sylvi Kekkonen – Kitetä, Sylvi Kekkosen elämäkerta
Meinander, Henrik: History of Finland.
Venho, Johanna: Ensimmäinen nainen
Yle’s TV series “Kekkonen” by journalist Jari Tervo.
Source: ICELAND NEWS